Caution: Spoilers ahead.

The second-to-last episode of CSI in 2009 featured a particularly animal-friendly plot line. I say “particularly” rather than “surprisingly” because CSI has a longstanding track record of treating animals and animal advocacy issues with a modicum of respect – a practice which stands in sharp contrast to similar crime shows like Law & Order. (See, for example, Veg*nism & Pop Culture: But does Costa Rica have an extradition treaty? and Veg*nism & Pop Culture: Sara Sidle: From CSI to Terra-ist.)

Season 10, Episode 9 (Appendicitement) saw the CSI team investigating not one, but two separate murders, both of which occurred on the premises of a BBQ joint. Since IMDB has a decent writeup of the episode, I’ll let them take it away:

There are two twisty tales in Vegas tonight. Strike that, one in Vegas and one outside.

The first tale concerns lab tech Henry. Greg, Nick, and Hodges literally kidnap Henry on his birthday to take him to this great barbecue place up the road apiece called Harry’s Hog Hideout.* On the way there a crazy lady runs them off the road and the car rolls. Fortunately, none of them is seriously injured but Nick’s car is out of commission. With no cell service, they decide to walk the last little bit to Harry’s but, unfortunately, when they arrive they discover it’s been closed for seven months due to a Hepatitis outbreak. They decide to poke around and see if there’s a working phone inside.

Instead they find a dead body, a man with a raccoon attached to his face.

While Henry, disgruntled about his crummy birthday, hangs with the dead guy Hodges and Greg poke around outside. They figure out that the guy lured the raccoon to a nearby barrel and tried to kill him by filling the barrel with ethylene gas and blowing him up. The explosion threw the raccoon and the guy through the window of Harry’s. So it was an accident.

Meanwhile, Nick looks for a phone and it’s not working. He returns to the scene just as another guy shows up and pulls a gun on Henry. They make it clear that they’re cops and the guy, Slick explains that the dead guy was Gomez the cook at Harry’s, who was generally a good guy.

(Emphasis and asterisks mine, of course.)

Initially – and in breaking with the show’s usual treatment of such cases – the CSI investigators exhibit disappointingly little concern for the dead raccoon. Personally, I am lacking in sympathy for people who inadvertently blow themselves up while trying to lure a sentient being into a trap, only to torch him alive. Killing “nuisance” animals – especially when there are humane, catch-and-release options available – is bad enough; plotting to light them on fire while still alive and fully conscious is downright sadistic. Unfortunately, the CSI team doesn’t voice any of these thoughts – that is, until much later in the show.

Once the plot unfolds and the bodies are transported back to the lab, coroner David Phillips expresses grief at the raccoon’s demise. I can’t recall what exactly was said (nor did I think to save the episode on my DVR so that I might type up a transcript – doh!), but I believe that David muttered something about the human getting what he deserved and referred to the raccoon as an innocent bystander.

In other words, all is well in the Las Vegas crime lab!

Alas, we still have one body to account for…

Just then the crazy broad woman that who ran them off the road comes barreling up and crashes into the debris outside, rendering her car unusable as well.

She comes in, soused, and she and Slick make eyes at each other while eating martini olives. She was Harry’s wife and they explain that Harry ran off, cleaned out their accounts, and they haven’t heard from him since. Nick asks after a phone and Slick says there’s a ham radio out back. They try it but it blows a tube. Super nerd Greg thinks he can make one though.

Meanwhile, Shirley shows Henry a postcard from Harry saying he found a younger woman, took all their money, and ran off to an island to be happy without her. He agrees it’s mean. She then tries to, ew, put the moves on him.

Hodges discovers that Slick and Shirley were making moonshine in the basement. Greg figures out how to make a phone work by wiring up the receiver directly to the phone pole outside and calls for help. As they wait, Henry accidentally spills sulfuric acid on his hand and Nick quickly runs to the BBQ pit in the middle of the restaurant and grabs some charcoal to neutralize it. While rooting around in there he discovers a human skull. He pulls his gun and goes over to Slick and Shirley and asks them if they know who it is, they claim they don’t.

Later at the station they determine the skull and other bones found in the pit are in fact Harry. Nick realizes the ribs are gone. Harry also had hepatitis. They deduce that whoever killed him then served up his ribs at the restaurant. Slick and Shirley each blame the other in their interviews with Brass. But Henry is stuck on the postcard. When they discover that Gomez had a rap sheet for forgery, they figure out that he forged Harry’s handwriting, sent the postcard to his mom in Florida to send back to Shirley. They figure that Harry found out about Gomez’ past and used it against him to keep him at the restaurant and Gomez got sick of it. Henry, who sprained his ankle and burned his hand, decides it wasn’t the worst birthday ever after all.

Sweet serendipity! A man who made his name by trading in the charred remains of enslaved, tortured, murdered and dismembered animals has himself been murdered and dismembered – not to mention, marinated, barbecued, and served up on a platter to his own hungry customers.

Deliciously ironic is one patron’s exclamation of glee: “I have always loved Harry’s ribs!” Clearly, she means to say that she’s always loved the ribs of pigs, which Harry has (with a little help from the omnipresent animal agriculture industry) stolen, repurposed and resold as “his own.” Here, nothing is Harry’s but the marinade recipe. The irony, of course, lies in the fact that, this time, the ribs actually are Harry’s. She is literally eating Harry’s ribs. And – being “meat” and all – Harry’s ribs are just as yummy as a pig’s.

BBQ CHEF by chillmost on Flickr

By the by, it’s worth noting that a number of online reviewers recoiled at the thought of – ick! – eating Harry as opposed to the intended pigs. Humans, pigs, cows, dogs: we are all made of the same basic stuff – meat, tissue, bones, etc. If you find the though of cooking and eating Harry (or Spot!) appalling, perhaps it’s time to examine your moral inconsistencies vis-à-vis “meat” consumption. Ditto: dairy and eggs. (I have a t-shirt that reads, “If milk is so natural, go suck on a cow’s teat!” Better still: “If milk is so natural, go suck on your mother’s teat!”)

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* Suicide Food, anyone? Why on earth would pigs choose to seek refuge in the place of their demise? Answer: they wouldn’t. They’re porcine, not stupid.

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Tagged: animals animal rights pop culture cultural studies tv csi bbq meat raccoon pests pig harry’s hog hideout suicide food flickr photos animal agriculture hufu cbs jorja fox vegan veganism vegetarian vegetarianism harry’s ribs cannibal cannibalism

So far, there are 77 images, set to display randomly and rotate every 90 minutes. The majority are work safe, but if you happen to draw a swear word or naughty image, there’s a handy-dandy “Reload Banner” button located in the sidebar, right above the search box. Don’t say I never did anything for ya.

You can find out more about each image, as well as the motivation behind the project, on the Banner Credits page. Not to rehash what I wrote over there, but I was tired of the blog’s old look and name; the old banner image was so plain! I wasn’t keen on the idea of up and moving the site, though, so I figured a face lift was in order. Spiff things up, you know? I didn’t change a whole lot – just the banner, really, and I also simplified the background image so the site wouldn’t look overly cluttered and busy – but I love the result. The new banners, which are primarily comprised of photos and artwork I already enjoyed, are so shiny and pretty! I’ve already cycled through a few clicks of the “Reload” button, just to see what would pop up. Ahem.

Karma, in particular, has an interesting back story. The animal depicted on the banner is a Thylacine – a Tasmanian Tiger. Or rather, it’s a picture of a sculpture of a Thylacine. The sculpture is (was?) part of a traveling exhibit called Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale, which Shane and I saw at the Kansas City Art Institute’s Artspace in December 2006. Cryptozoology is the study of cryptids; a cryptid being an animal thought – but not proven – to exist. You know, like mermaids, Bigfoot, Yeti, etc.

Cryptozoology is more Shane’s kind of thing. (Not that he believes in unicorns; rather, he enjoys myths and legends, and is fascinated by people who do champion the existence of Sasquatch.) But I love animals and museums, so when he suggested that we check out the exhibit, I was totally down with it.

Most of the exhibits were really quite amusing – very X-Files-ish.

For the conspiracy theorists, the door to the Department of Cryptozoology at the Federal Wildlife Commission:

Some sort of ridiculously adorable unicorn-doggy hybrid:

ZOMG, WANT! She’s probably not vegan, though.

A…day-glo monster fish? Honestly, I’ve no idea what he’s supposed to be:

A turkey-monster!:

Or Monsanto’s latest genetic creation; take your pick.

A miniature goat unicorn!:

What is it with unicorn horns, people?

The anatomy of Capelobo, complete with sexy bits:

Conjoined imp skeletons:

Actually, that would look mighty fine hanging in my living room, right next to the gas mask prints I’ve been wanting. Morbid, me?

A very artsy Abominable Snowman, bringing the rodent(s) home for Mrs. Snow(wo)man and little Sally and Abominable Snowman, Jr.:

And, of course, BIGFOOT!, i.e., Harry!

OH NOES! LOOK OUT SHANE, HE’S RIGHT BEHIND YOU!

Um, sorry. All this silliness carries me away. Yes, I am a nerd. Good times, tho.

All joking aside, there’s one exhibit that didn’t quite fit. Possibly you could call the Thylacine a cryptid in 2009, but once upon a time, they were alive and real. Thylacines existed – until we drove the species to extinction.

Explains Wiki,

The Thylacine was the largest known carnivorous marsupial of modern times. It is commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger (because of its striped back), the Tasmanian Wolf, and colloquially the Tassie (or Tazzy) Tiger or simply the Tiger. Native to continental Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, it is thought to have become extinct in the 20th century. It was the last extant member of its genus, Thylacinus, although several related species have been found in the fossil record dating back to the early Miocene.

The Thylacine became extinct on the Australian mainland thousands of years before European settlement of the continent, but it survived on the island state of Tasmania along with several other endemic species, including the Tasmanian Devil. Intensive hunting encouraged by bounties is generally blamed for its extinction, but other contributory factors may have been disease, the introduction of dogs, and human encroachment into its habitat. Despite its official classification as extinct, sightings are still reported, though none proven.

Image via Wiki and is part of the public domain.

Source: Photograph by E.J. Keller, from the Smithsonian Institution archives.

The Thylacine is likely to have become extinct in mainland Australia about 2,000 years ago, and possibly earlier in New Guinea. The extinction is attributed to competition from indigenous humans and invasive dingoes. However, doubts exist over the impact of the dingo since the two species would not have been in direct competition with one another as the dingo hunts primarily during the day, whereas it is thought that the Thylacine hunted mostly at night. [...]

Although the Thylacine had been extinct for around 2,000 years on the Australian mainland by the time the first European settlers arrived, it survived into the 1930s on the island state of Tasmania. At the time of the first settlement, the heaviest distributions were in the northeast, northwest and north-midland regions of the state. They were rarely sighted during this time but slowly began to be credited with numerous attacks on sheep. This led to the establishment of bounty schemes in an attempt to control their numbers. The Van Diemen’s Land Company introduced bounties on the Thylacine from as early as 1830, and between 1888 and 1909 the Tasmanian government paid £1 per head for dead adult Thylacines and ten shillings for pups. In all they paid out 2,184 bounties, but it is thought that many more Thylacines were killed than were claimed for. Its extinction is popularly attributed to these relentless efforts by farmers and bounty hunters. However, it is likely that multiple factors led to its decline and eventual extinction, including competition with wild dogs introduced by European settlers, erosion of its habitat, the concurrent extinction of prey species, and a distemper-like disease that also affected many captive specimens at the time. Whatever the reason, the animal had become extremely rare in the wild by the late 1920s. Despite the fact that the Thylacine was believed by many to be responsible for attacking on sheep, several efforts were made to save the species from extinction. Records of the Wilsons Promontory management committee dating to 1908 included recommendations for Thylacines to be reintroduced to several suitable locations on the Victorian mainland. In 1928, the Tasmanian Advisory Committee for Native Fauna had recommended a reserve to protect any remaining Thylacines, with potential sites of suitable habitat including the Arthur-Pieman area of western Tasmania.

In 1930 Wilf Batty, a farmer, killed the last known wild Thylacine in Mawbanna, in the northeast of the state. The animal, believed to have been a male, had been seen around Baty’s house for several weeks.

Image via Wiki and is part of the public domain.

Caption: “This 1921 photo by Henry Burrell of a Thylacine with a chicken was widely distributed and may have helped secure the animal’s reputation as a poultry thief. In fact the image is cropped to hide the fenced run and housing, and analysis by one researcher has concluded that this Thylacine is a mounted specimen, posed for the camera.”

Image via Wiki and is part of the public domain.

Description: “This iconic image of a bagged thylacine featuring Mr. Weaver in a studio portrait is repeatedly published yet it is not attributed. It may have been taken by Victor Prout who sojourned briefly in Tasmania in the late 1860s but is known and praised for his excellent panoramas of Sydney Harbour by contemporary photohistorians.”

Finally comes the portion of the Wiki entry that I excerpted in my explanation of the Karma banner, as it ties in directly with the Thylacine exhibit I saw:

The last captive Thylacine, later referred to as “Benjamin” (although its sex has never been confirmed) was captured in 1933 and sent to the Hobart Zoo where it lived for three years. [...] This Thylacine died on 7 September 1936. It is believed to have died as the result of neglect—locked out of its sheltered sleeping quarters, it was exposed to a rare occurrence of extreme Tasmanian weather: extreme heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. This Thylacine features in the last known motion picture footage of a living specimen: 62 seconds of black-and-white footage showing it pacing backwards and forwards in its enclosure in a clip taken in 1933 by naturalist David Fleay. National Threatened Species Day has been held annually since 1996 on 7 September in Australia, to commemorate the death of the last officially recorded Thylacine. [...]

The Thylacine held the status of endangered species until 1986. International standards state that any animal for which no specimens have been recorded for 50 years is to be declared extinct. Since no definitive proof of the Thylacine’s existence had been found since “Benjamin” died in 1936, it met that official criterion and was declared officially extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Thylacine sculpture pictured in the Karma banner sat on a table, not far from a projection screen. There playing, on a never ending loop, were the 62 seconds of Benjamin’s life immortalized on film.

It’s difficult for me to convey the melancholia exuded by this one exhibit. Photos of the display appear depressing enough, but they only capture a fraction of the emotions I remember feeling, at once mesmerized and appalled by the images on the screen. It was…heartbreaking, in a word. A painfully stark contrast to the frivolity and lightheartedness of the other pieces in the exhibit.

Even the display’s placement was depressing – the Thylacine artifacts were sequestered in corner, sad and lonely. Appearing at an art museum, probably this was intentional, meant to emphasize Benjamin’s desolate existence – and the tragic fate of her species.

I watched the film reel a dozen times, possibly more. Imprisoned in a small cage, Benjamin paced back and forth,

back and forth,

back and forth.

Pacing out of – what? Depression? Boredom? Anger? Frustration? Heartache? Loneliness? Most likely, all of these and more.

One of the last of her kind, she died in this prison, the victim of human cruelty and neglect.

And sheer, naked prejudice. Thinking of what befell the Thylacines, I’m reminded of the current plight of wolves in the United States, who are demonized for “stealing” and eating the animals whom humans have destined for their own dinner tables. Wolves need to kill and eat animals; it’s a matter of survival. Humans – at least, these particular humans – do not. The hypocrisy and hatred is stunning.

Unfortunately, President Obama shows little interest in halting the genocide.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare cryptids cryptozoology Thylacine Tasmanian Tiger Benjamin wildlife speciesism hunting extinction wolves kansas city kcmo missouri kansas Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale KCAI Kansas City Art Institute Artspace pseudoscience defenders of wildlife art art exhibit museum flickr photos photo blogging

Two culls

Welsh Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has announced a cull of badgers in West Wales. She said that there will be an ‘intensive action area’ covering 200 square kilometres in Pembrokeshire, and the cull would later be extended across Wales.

* Send polite complaints to: elin.jones [at] wales.gov.uk

Councillors in the Forest of Dean are planning to kill wild boars. Please contact them and urge them to act compassionately and use only humane ways to deter boars, should they present a problem.

* Send polite complaints to: council [at] fdean.gov.uk

You can find a useful guide to Britain’s “War on Wildlife” here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts animal aid uk wales west wales pests cull badger boar wild boar wildlife

FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com/

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VALIDITY OF FRIENDS OF KC ALERTS.
* CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY. We will not respond.

1. Trouble For Greyhounds in South Africa
2. Jamaica Wants Greyhound Races Too
3. Jason Wu Puts Aside Fur, For Now
4. Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses
5. Guandong – Cats Skinned And Boiled Alive
6. Fight Horse Slaughter State By State
7. Prosecute Bird Killers In Florida
8. Ask For End To NYC Horse Carriages
9. World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week

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1) Trouble For Greyhounds in South Africa

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
South West Animal Protection, southwestanimalprotection [at] yahoo.co.uk

BACKGROUND:

2/20/09: SAY NO TO PROPOSED GREYHOUND RACING IN SOUTH AFRICA

www.care2.com:80/causes/animal-welfare/blog/trouble-ahead-for-greyhounds-in-south-africa/

TAKE ACTION:

The University of the Free State Faculty of Law has been appointed by the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct research on the possible
legalization of greyhound racing.

Professor Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer
University of the Free State Faculty of Law
fax: 051-401-2698; email: snymane.rd [at] ufs.ac.za

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2) Jamaica Wants Greyhound Races Too

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Animal Aid, info [at] animalaid.org.uk

www.animalaid.org.uk/h/f/ACTIVE/blog/ALL/1//?be_id=190

BACKGROUND:

Plans to bring greyhound racing to Jamaica are of great concern due to the inevitable cruelty involved. Huge numbers of greyhounds are destroyed each year after they’ve ‘retired’ from racing, and many pups are killed just because they’re deemed ‘unsuitable’ for racing. In addition, many greyhounds are subjected to abuse by owners who view them as mere commodities.

TAKE ACTION:

Politely email the Jamaican Tourist Board and the Jamaican High Commission to let them know your concerns.

Jamaican Tourist Board: mail [at] visitjamaica.uk.com
Jamaican High Commission: Jamhigh [at] jhcuk.com

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3) Jason Wu Puts Aside Fur, For Now

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Centcom, centcom [at] war-online.org

BACKGROUND:

2/6/09: Fashion designer Jason Wu, who designed Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball gown, was scheduled to unveil his Fall 2009 collection at Exit Art

2/13/09. The evening was set to include a significant amount of fur as Wu has signed a deal with Saga Furs. Win Animal Rights was scheduled to protest this event. Working behind the scenes, along with many other animal advocates, we are pleased that Jason Wu has decided to “back burner” his fur collection… Special thanks to celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, who posted: perezhilton.com/2009-01-24-michelle-obamas-inauguration-dress-designers-an-animal-killer

TAKE ACTION:

Wouldn’t it be lovely if Jason Wu canceled his use of fur instead of just postponing it? Let Jason know that the whole world is watching. Ask him to make the compassionate choice and to cancel his plans with Saga Furs.

Jwu LLC
6 West 37th St., 3rd Floor; New York, NY 10018-7505
ph: 1-212-643-0598
email: jason [at] jasonwustudio.com, jason [at] thewstudio.com
(not sure of either email address, but one or both of them might work)
(Jason Wu’s sales rep) John W. Murphy: john [at] thewstudio.com
website: www.jasonwustudio.com/

If on Myspace, leave comment: www.myspace.com/jasonwustudio

If on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Wu/49229617622

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4) Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
SHARK, info [at] SHARKonline.org, www.TheCruelTruth.com

PHOTOS: SHARK, www.sharkonline.org/

BACKGROUND:

VIDEO: Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses

2008, SHARK exposed the Tucson Rodeo for shocking horses with 5,000 – 6,000 volts of painful electricity to make them perform. SHARK filed a complaint requesting a criminal investigation and charges against those responsible, with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division.

SHARK received great media coverage of this issue helping to educate many in Arizona about rodeo animal abuse. In advance of the upcoming rodeo this year, SHARK has sent out two press releases to the media, the City Council and the Mayor of Tucson requesting their attention and action on this issue.

TAKE ACTION:

Request a ban on shocking the animals in the rodeo like many other rodeos in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming…

Mayor Bob Walkup
City Hall; 255 West Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85701
ph: 520-791-4201; fax: 520-791-5348; email: mcweb [at] tucsonaz.gov

Vice Mayor, Karin Uhlich
Ward Three; 1510 East Grant Road; Tucson, Arizona 85719
ph: 520-791-4711; fax: 520-791-5391; email: ward3 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Mike Hein, City Manager
City Hall; 255 West Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85701
ph: 520-791-4204; fax: 520-791-5198; email: mike.hein [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Regina Romero
Ward One; 940 W. Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85745
ph: 520-791-4040; fax: 520-791-5393; email: ward1 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Rodney Glassman
Ward Two; 7575 E. Speedway; Tucson, Arizona 85710
ph: 520-791-4687; fax: 520-791-5380; email: ward2 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Shirley Scott
Ward Four; 8123 E. Poinciana; Tucson, Arizona 85730
ph: 520-791-3199; fax: 520-791-4717; email: ward4 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Steve Leal
Ward Five; 4300 South Park Avenue; Tucson, Arizona 85714
ph: 520-791-4231; fax: 520-791-3188; email: steve.leal [at] tucsonaz.gov

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5) Guandong – Cats Skinned And Boiled Alive

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Maria Lopes, marialopes [at] iwab.org
Anti-Fur Society, www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html

PHOTOS: Anti-Fur Society website, www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html

BACKGROUND:

Cats are skinned and boiled while still alive in Guandong, a south of China province. READ FULL STORY: www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/international/int_ap_beijing_protest_decries_custom_of_eating_cats_20081218804

TAKE ACTION:

Write to the Guandong authorities (cc to the Chinese Embassy) asking them to stop this horrific practice. Your message will be more effective if you fax it or send it by snail mail in addition to emailing it. Regardless, please send them a message of disapproval. NOTE: It is very important to send
polite messages or our efforts may be in vain.

Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office
ph: (8620) 81218888; fax: (8620) 81218569; email: webmaster [at] gdfao.gov.cn

Food & Drug Administration Bureau of Guandong:
email: ywts [at] gzfda.gov.cn, xzts [at] gzfda.gov.cn

Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office of Guandong Province
ph: (8620) 81218888; fax: (8620) 81218569
email: waiban [at] gz.gov.cn, webmaster [at] gdfao.gov.cn

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS:

www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html

(Scroll past addresses, mid-page)

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6) Fight Horse Slaughter State By State

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
International Fund For Horses, fund4horses.org/info.php?id=1114

BACKGROUND:

2/9/09: We must now fight horse slaughter state by state since many state legislators have introduced pro horse slaughter resolutions on behalf of
foreign investors anxious to defeat H.R. 503.

These resolutions and bills are a not-so-subtle ploy by the foreign investors that own horse slaughterhouses to defeat H.R. 503 which would ban the sale, transport, and possession of horses in interstate and foreign commerce for slaughter for human consumption.

There is no point in states appropriating tax dollars for studies when currently horse slaughter for human consumption is not allowed in the U.S. These resolutions will simply insure horse slaughterers can continue to take American horses to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. States taking part: Arizona, Utah, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Montana, and Illinois.

TAKE ACTION:

STATE BY STATE HORSE SLAUGHTER BILLS, TAKE ACTION HERE:

fund4horses.org/info.php?id=1114

FEDERAL BILL HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL, TAKE ACTION HERE:

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1801&seriesfirst=true

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7) Prosecute Bird Killers In Florida

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
C ALLARD, cdallard1 [at] bellsouth.net

BACKGROUND:

2/25/09: Collier County, Florida: Senseless killing of birds.

Article link: www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090225/ARTICLE/902250353/2055/NEWS

TAKE ACTION:

These individuals need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law! Let the Collier County States Attorney know, in a polite manner.

Collier County States Attorney’s Office
Administrative Building, 6th Floor
3301 E Tamiami Trail; Naples, FL 34112
ph: 239-252-8470; Office Head, Richard Montecalvo: Rmontecalvo [at] sao.cjis20.org

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8) Ask For End To NYC Horse Carriages

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, coalition [at] banhdc.org

www.banhdc.org/index.shtml

PHOTOS: www.blindersthemovie.com/photos

BLINDERS: Award-winning documentary exposes the truth behind the tradition of NYC horse-drawn carriage industry. www.blindersthemovie.com

BACKGROUND:

PLEASE HELP US: If you live in another city or country – WE NEED YOU! New York City is in the fight of its life to rescue its carriage horses from a life of slavery and to shut down the horse-drawn carriage trade. In three years, we have succeeded in bringing worldwide attention to this anachronistic and inhumane industry and we are close to making a ban a reality. AS POTENTIAL TOURISTS, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SHUT IT DOWN! On January 30 the City Council Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing on two carriage horse bills. There was no vote.

The City Council likes to claim horses and buggies are a tourist attraction. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. When you visit our city, is this the first thing you do? What about museums, theater, night life, shopping and restaurants? Will NYC survive without carriage horses? We certainly think so. And we ask you to send a letter to our City Council saying the same.

TAKE ACTION:

SEND LETTER TO COUNCIL EMAIL ADDRESSES:
marroyo [at] council.nyc.gov, avella [at] council.nyc.gov, baez [at] council.nyc.gov, brewer [at] council.nyc.gov, comrie [at] council.nyc.gov, ecrowley [at] council.nyc.gov, deblasio [at] council.nyc.gov, emdilan [at] council.nyc.gov, rarbeloc [at] council.nyc.gov, mathieu.eugene [at] council.nyc.gov, felder [at] council.nyc.gov, fidler [at] council.nyc.gov, foster [at] council.nyc.gov, garodnick [at] council.nyc.gov, gennaro [at] council.nyc.gov, vgentile [at] council.nyc.gov, agerson [at] council.nyc.gov, gioia [at] council.nyc.gov, gonzalez [at] council.nyc.gov, Ignizio [at] council.nyc.gov, rjackson [at] council.nyc.gov, ljames [at] council.nyc.gov, katz [at] council.nyc.gov, koppell [at] council.nyc.gov, lappin [at] council.nyc.gov, liu [at] council.nyc.gov, viverito [at] council.nyc.gov, martinez [at] council.nyc.gov, darlene.mealy [at] council.nyc.gov, rmendez [at] council.nyc.gov, nelson [at] council.nyc.gov, palma [at] council.nyc.gov, recchia [at] council.nyc.gov, rivera [at] council.nyc.gov, sanders [at] council.nyc.gov, seabrook [at] council.nyc.gov, sears [at] council.nyc.gov, vacca [at] council.nyc.gov, vann [at] council.nyc.gov, weprin [at] council.nyc.gov, twhite [at] council.nyc.gov, yassky [at] council.nyc.gov, barron [at] council.nyc.gov, dickens [at] council.nyc.gov, oddo [at] council.nyc.gov, quinn [at] council.nyc.gov, reyna [at] council.nyc.gov, stewart [at] council.nyc.gov, vallone [at] council.nyc.gov

SEND LETTER TO MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG: www.banhdc.org/what_you_can_do.shtml
CLICK ON LINK IN FIRST PARAGRAPH

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS:

Please indicate in the email subject line something like this: “Californians against horse-drawn carriages”; “Tourists against horse-drawn carriages”

Dear Council Member:

As a tourist to your great city, it is troubling to see that New York City still has an inhumane horse-carriage trade. These 19th century slow moving conveyances do not belong in a crowded and congested 21st century city. They impede the flow of traffic, getting in the way of ambulances, fire trucks and police cars – not to mention cars, taxis, buses, bikers and pedestrians. Horses suffer in more ways than can be imagined starting with a denial of their innate horse nature. Please support the bill to ban this industry. New York should join the ranks of cities like London, Paris, Toronto, Oxford and Beijing, which have banned the carriage trade. Tourists come to NYC for its wonderful museums, theater, night life, restaurants and shopping. The carriage trade brings shame to your city. I will not travel to New York as long as this inhumane industry continues to operate.

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9) World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Michael Budkie, Executive Director, SAEN, saen [at] saenonline.org
www.saenonline.org, www.wlalw.org

BACKGROUND:

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week April 18-26, 2009 As you read this email, untold millions of animals suffer and die in laboratories across the United States. Most of these animals including rats, mice, birds, amphibians, and all animals used in agricultural research receive no protection under current laws. Federally owned laboratories (such as those owned by the Department of Defense, the NIH, the USDA, EPA, etc.) receive no independent inspections. It has been demonstrated that the USDA does not adequately enforce the very limited requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Labs often break federal laws and more animals are hurt by these infractions every day. Violations are often ignored, fines are reduced or eliminated, and penalties are ineffective.

Use of non-human primates has reached an all-time high with 69,990 experiencing the cruelty of captivity in a laboratory. In university and private settings, squirrel monkeys are confined to restraint chairs and steel screws are drilled into the skulls of rhesus monkeys. Chimpanzees suffer for decades as they slowly go insane. Dogs languish in runs as they pine for their families. Electrical coils are forced into the eyes of cats.

TAKE ACTION:

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week 2009 is April 18 – 26. However, it is more important that you take action than that your action falls exactly within these dates. If we are to be successful in exposing the ongoing abuses of animals in laboratories, we must begin planning now.

SAEN WEBSITES WITH RESOURCES

Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! www.saenonline.org

Sections of our main website have fact sheets about product testing, primate experimentation, a general flyer about animal experimentation, as well as materials focusing on specific labs.

Our Government Grants Promoting Cruelty to Animals contains information on research protocols, grant applications, and journal articles relevant to over 120 different researchers spread throughout 47 labs in 24 states.

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week: www.wlalw.org/

Contains a sign-up form for this year’s event, and listings of events from previous years. It is very important that we are aware of all WLALW events so that we may help in their promotion and media exposure, so please sign up with the details of your events as soon as possible. When your event is posted on our website, more activists will be able to attend.

Using information from our website, any activist can plan a news conference to discuss the use of animals at a nearby laboratory. Protests, rallies and civil disobedience can also be used to pressure a laboratory to change policies or even eliminate specific experiments. Leafleting can be an effective method of educating the public. Large numbers of activists can be helpful for protest events, but media campaigns involving other methods can be effective with a single dedicated activist.

We are the voices for millions of suffering dogs, cats, primates, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, pigs and animals of many other species. Please get involved with this vital event. We are their only hope.

========================

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ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle carriage horses horses mustangs wildlife conservation horse meat animal racing dog racing dog canine pet companion animal south africa Jamaica jason wu fur Tucson rodeo shark animal abuse World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

PART 1: OCT – DEC 2008 / KINSHIP CIRCLE UPDATES
YEAR END WRAP UP – Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 1: KC UPDATES / OCT – DEC 2008

1. Donna Karan Announces Fur-Free 2009 Lines
2. Dragged Pit Bull Is Healing And Soon Adoptable
3. Cat Killing Boyfriend Walks Free
4. Records Show Big Industry Planned AETA All Along
5. Obama Picks: The Good & The Not So Good
6. L.A. Assistant Fire Chief Charged In Karley’s Killing
7. Netherlands Ban Products Made Of Cape Fur Seals
8. Prempro Maker, Wyeth, Pays For Fake Articles
9. Report On Hallmark/Westland Downer Scandal
10. Eddie Lama’s Oasis Sanctuary Closes
11. Michael Vick: Early Release & Back To NFL?

PART 2: KC UPDATES / OCT – DEC 2008
RESEND PART #2 TO ME: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

12. Hero’s Plan To Save Wild Horses Moves Forward
13. Until Export Is Banned, More Horses Killed
14. Rodeo “Horse Tripping” Outlawed In Phoenix
15. Houston: Biggest Dogfight Bust In U.S. History
16. Activists Vow To Overturn Navy’s Use Of Sonar
17. Oxford Univ. Lab To Use Thousands Of Animals
18. Prop 2 Passes For Calif. Farmed Animals
19. EU Proposal To Ban Great Apes In Experiments
20. Ringling Bros. Big Fat Federal Lawsuit
21. Alaska Whales: 1 vs. Gov. Sarah Palin: 0

============================

1. Donna Karan Announces Fur-Free 2009 Lines

SOURCE: 12/22/08, Donna Karan Dumps Fur!
READ FULL STORY: blog.peta.org/archives/2008/12/donna_karan.php

FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE: We’re not sure we trust her, yet. If you took action on KC’s recent alert “Bunnies Hate Donna Karan,” that’s great! She needs to hear that consumers are serious about a 100% fur-free policy.

Donna Karan has announced that her fall 2009 lines will be fur-free and that she has “no plans” to use fur in the future… Karan’s announcement came days after PETA launched our (now offline) DonnaKaranBunnyButcher.com website and after mega-fashion guru Tim Gunn sent Karan and designer Giorgio Armani a video he narrated for PETA showing animals skinned alive and urged them to open their eyes to the violent and bloody fur industry…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

12/18/08: Bunnies Hate Donna Karan’s Killer Couture

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1789&seriesfirst=true

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2. Dragged Pit Bull Is Healing And Soon Adoptable

KINSHIP CIRCLE: Many have asked about Prada (renamed Bluebell), the pit bull dragged behind a truck into the parking lot of Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (where she is now sheltered). Jim Willis (tiergartenjim [at] yahoo.com) coordinated the following updates from his sources in Los Angeles:

12/22/08, From Ruth Silny, an area animal advocate who has visited Prada/Bluebell, rsilny [at] sbcglobal.net — From what I learned when I spoke with Corp. Torres — once healed, she’ll be adoptable. I’m sure they’ll fine-tooth comb every applicant already on a list. She cannot be with any dogs due to some aggressiveness… She is adorable, a good natured dog… Her front legs were healing better, her hind needed attention. She is a beautiful blue-grey color with beautiful eyes… They [SEAACA] are on top of this and other cases, and thankfully they have the courts on their side.

From Aaron Reyes, Director of Operations, SEAACA, Aaron [at] seaaca.org — The court case is sitting on the DA’s desk, with a March court date per the citation the owner signed… I think we have a solid case that will show negligence which caused Bluebell severe pain and suffering…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

12/17/08: Second Chance For Dragged Pit Bull

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1787&seriesfirst=true

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3. Cat Killing Boyfriend Walks Free

SOURCE: 12/19/08, Actor pleads guilty in NYC cat-kill case
READ FULL STORY: www.pet-abuse.com/cases/11246/NY/US/RSS/#UPDATES

Joseph Petcka, 38, an actor and former minor league baseball player who killed his girlfriend’s cat, has pleaded guilty to felony aggravated cruelty to animals. He faces up to 500 hours of community service at his March 2 sentencing. The plea removes the need for a second trial. His first ended with the jury deadlocked 11-1. Prosecutors said Petcka killed the 7-year-old cat, Norman (March 2007) in a drunken, jealous rage… Petcka said outside court that he hopes to do community service in a youth athletics program.

ANIMAL ABUSERS BELONG IN JAIL – NOT YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Honorable Leila Kermani, Assistant District Attorney
Office of the Manhattan District Attorney
One Hogan Place; NY, NY 10013
ph: 212-335-3630 (or 9400); fax: 212-335-9288

The Honorable Michael J. Obus
Manhattan Criminal Court; 100 Centre Street; NY, NY 10013
ph: 646-386-4500; fax: 212-374-5293

SOME TALKING POINTS:

The last place Joseph Petcka belongs is alongside children.

Violence against animals is a well-documented precursor to violence against humans. Randall Lockwood, Ph.D. — a frequent consultant to cruelty investigators, law enforcers, and mental health professionals — describes violence against non-threatening creatures unlikely to retaliate as a precursor to assaulting children, the elderly or disabled.

This wasn’t Petcka’s first offense: Petcka had vented rage on Norman in the past. Altobelli told jurors she’d found her frightened cat drenched in water. “He was hissing [at Petcka],” Altobelli testified. “Obviously, that was a huge red flag.” But the flag apparently wasn’t red enough. Similar “blind rage” once stirred Petcka to slam a door on another ex-girlfriend, severing her fingertip (although this incident was banned from the trial).

Convicted animal abusers should serve time behind bars — not fulfill community service orders at a youth athletics program, where they’re exposed to vulnerable juveniles.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

10/24/08: No Plea Deal For Ruthless Cat Killer

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1768&seriesfirst=true

10/7/08: Demand Retrial For Vicious Cat Killer

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1765&seriesfirst=true

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4. Records Show Big Industry Planned AETA All Along

SOURCE: 12/17/08, Plans for Labeling Activists as “Eco-Terrorists”
READ FULL STORY: www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/2008/12/17/internal-industry-documents-show-plans-for-labeling-activists-as-eco-terrorists-part-1-of-3/

by Will Potter, www.GreenistheNewRed.com — It’s been two years since passage of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, a sweeping law that wraps up non-violent civil disobedience and hurting corporate profits as “terrorism.”

…Here, for the first time, are some of the internal documents outlining how corporations and industry groups planned to label activists “eco-terrorists.” I’ve obtained them from a source who wishes to remain anonymous. They’re the creation of the Animal Enterprise Protection Coalition, a network formed for the sole purpose of passing this “eco-terrorism” legislation…

Note how “Will Potter’s Blog” is listed under the opposition. I guess I should be honored, right?

KINSHIP CIRCLE: And there we are, underneath IDA. We are honored too! We are on Big Industry’s pro-animal radar screen.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

3/19/07: Invite Congress To AETA Briefing On The Hill

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1634&seriesfirst=true

12/8/06: AETA UPDATE / Hope For Repeal?

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_12_8.html

11/16/06: Questions & Rumors: Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_11_16.html

11/13/06: Done Deal? AETA Passes

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_11_13.html

============================

5. Obama Picks: The Good & The Not So Good

SOURCE: 12/17/08, Michael Markarian / Obama’s Animal Welfare Team
FULL: hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/12/cabinet_apppoin.html

FORMER IOWA GOV. TOM VILSACK IS SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

Gov. Tom Vilsack, the next Secretary of Agriculture, has a solid record on animal protection… He will have a big role in how our nation confronts puppy mills, factory farming, predator control, use of animals in research, and other practices and industries that have compromised animal welfare.

* Vilsack advocated to toughen state penalties for animal fighting…
* Vetoed a 2006 bill that would have reclassified dogs as “farm products.”
* Vetoed 2001 legislation to allow sport hunting of mourning doves…

U.S. SEN. KEN SALAZAR (CO) IS NEXT SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. Senator Salazar scored 0% on the Humane Scorecard for the 109th Congress, and 50% in the 110th Congress. As Interior chief, Salazar will oversee enforcement of wildlife protection laws (i.e., Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and have authority on…federal lands in national parks, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management properties.

* Voted against 2005 legislation to ban horse slaughter.
* Current session: Co-sponsored bill to strengthen animal fighting penalties.
* Signed letter to increase funds for enforcement of animal welfare laws…
(Salazar wasn’t pushed by animal advocates.)

LISA JACKSON TO HEAD THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

Lisa Jackson led the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and was a leading animal advocate in the state… [She can help] prioritize use of alternatives to animals in toxicity testing, to ensure strong penalties for pollution from factory farms…

* She rejected attempts by NRA, Safari Club, and trophy hunting groups to initiate a black bear hunting season in New Jersey.
* Implemented program to solve bear conflicts with humane methods such as trash management and public education.

SOURCE: 12/8/08, Michael Markarian / Need Change at Interior, Not More of Same
FULL STORY: hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/12/interior.html

OBAMA PASSED ON ANIMAL-FRIENDLY CONGRESSMAN RAUL GRIJALVA (D-ARIZ)

The possibility of Grijalva as Interior Secretary was endorsed by environmentalists [and animal advocates] who’d admired his work as chairman of House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands…

* Grijalva is lead author with Congressman John Campbell (R-Calif.) of the Bear Protection Act, which would crack down on illegal poaching of bears…
* Scored 100% on Humane Scorecard since elected to Congress.
* Sided with animal protection on every measure relevant to Interior Department: Import of sport-hunted polar bear trophies, commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros, slaughter of buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, and bear baiting on federal lands.

President-elect Obama selected not-so-animal-friendly Ken Salazar instead of Raul Grijalva, to be the next Secretary of the Interior.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES + MORE READS:

Encourage Government To Improve the Lives of Animals

www.all-creatures.org/alert/alert-20081207.html

Animals Would Like President-Elect Barack Obama To Know…

kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_12.html

Ken Salazar a Disappointing Choice for Secretary of the Interior

www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2008/salazar-12-16-2008.html

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6. L.A. Assistant Fire Chief Charged In Karley’s Killing

SOURCE: 12/16/08, Assistant Fire Chief Charged In Puppy Beating
READ FULL STORY: cbs2.com/local/Puppy.Beating.Charged.2.889181.html

A Los Angeles County assistant fire chief has been charged with beating a neighbor’s puppy so severely it had to be euthanized. Glynn Johnson was arrested at his home in Riverside County and the district attorney has filed felony animal cruelty charges against him. Johnson is accused of beating a 6-month-old shepherd mix with his fist and a 12-pound rock on Nov. 3. Investigators say Johnson told them he acted in self-defense and the dog wounded his wrist and thumb…

THANK OFFICIALS FOR ARREST & URGE MAXIMUM PENALTIES
SOURCE: Lindy Greene, lindygreene [at] roadrunner.com

Contact Riverside County District Attorney, Rod Pacheco and his Assistant, Chuck Hughes, to thank them for arresting and filing charges against Johnson and to demand that he be punished to the fullest extent accorded by law.

Rod Pacheco, Riverside County District Attorney
4075 Main St.; Riverside, CA 92501
ph: 951-955-5431 or 951-955-5400; fax: 951-955-5682
Maria Driver, D.A. Secretary: mwdriver [at] rivcoda.org
additional email: events [at] rivcoda.org

Chuck Hughes, Riverside County Assistant District Attorney
Western Division; 4075 Main St.; Riverside, CA 92501
ph: 951-955-5400 or 951-955-5431; fax: 951-358-5017

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

11/14/08: Puppy Fatally Beaten By Los Angeles Firefighter

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1776&seriesfirst=true

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7. Netherlands Ban Products Made Of Cape Fur Seals

During the 2008 hunt July 1 to Nov. 15, seal hunters may kill 6,000 adult males and 80,000 pups. www.oipa.org/hunting/alerts/namibia.html

SOURCE: 12/15/08, Ban on fur import from Cape Fur Seals
READ FULL STORY: www.dierennieuws.nl/nw/art/200812/nw71298.htm

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries announced that as of July 1, 2009 a ban on import and trade of fur and other products of Cape Fur Seals will be in force… The Cape Fur Seal hunt takes place on the beaches of Namibia. Second to the Canadian seal hunt this is the biggest annual seal massacre on earth. Annually an average of 80,000 seals are culled and shot for their furs… www.bontvoordieren.nl

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

July 2008 DIGEST: Help End The Namibian Seal Slaughter

kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_07.html#anchor5

7/11/07: Namibia’s Shame – Massacre Of Nursing Seal Pups & Bulls

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1666&seriesfirst=true

============================

8. Prempro Maker, Wyeth, Pays For Fake Articles

SOURCE: 12/12/08, Drug Maker Said to Pay Ghostwriters for Journal Articles
READ FULL STORY: www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/business/13wyeth.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1229115622-yXi0T14dvE6Dtyxyi3tEtg

Wyeth, the pharmaceutical company, paid ghostwriters to produce medical journal articles favorable to its female hormone replacement therapy Prempro… One article was published…in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, more than a year after a federal study called the Women’s Health Initiative linked Wyeth’s Prempro, a combination of estrogen and progestin [from pregnant mares’ urine], to breast cancer. The May 2003 article said there was “no definitive evidence” that progestins cause breast cancer and that hormone users had a better chance of surviving cancer…

FACT SHEET FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/PInPremarinStandsFor.pdf

============================

9. Report On Hallmark/Westland Downer Scandal

SOURCE: 12/9/08, Hallmark/Westland Might Not Be An Anomaly According To OIG
READ FULL STORY: www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=275451

Following the Hallmark/Westland debacle earlier this year, Ag Secretary Ed Schafer requested an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General… The OIG listed these three glaring problems:

1) FSIS cannot demonstrate that its verification of establishment oversight is adequate. 2) Untrained non-veterinarians have been allowed to perform ante-mortem inspection without formal training or direct supervision. 3) The Public Health Veterinarian assigned to the plant took shortcuts in his inspection duties — delegated responsibilities to Hallmark/Westland employees, a serious breach not discovered until well after the damage…

The audit included reviews of 10 “cull” slaughter plants and half of them failed to gain a passing grade… In most industries, a 50% failure rate easily qualifies as a ‘systemic’ problem… After the Hallmark video surfaced, Ag Secretary Schafer said he would ban the slaughter of downer cows without exception, a still delayed pledge…

Quote (author?) worth adding here: “I think Congressmen should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could identify their corporate sponsors.”

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

Aug-Oct 2008 UPDATES: Politics Trumps Mercy: Still No Downer Ban

kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_aug-oct_2008.html#anchor11

7/14/08: No Downers. No Exceptions. NOW.

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1751&seriesfirst=true

Apr-June 2008 UPDATES: Downer News – Big Meat Backs Downer Ban + More…

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor16

FACT SHEETS FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/DownedOnTheFarmPHOTOS.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/HortonHearsACow.pdf

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10. Eddie Lama’s Oasis Sanctuary Closes

SOURCE: 11/30/08, Farewell to a Beloved Sanctuary
READ FULL STORY: www.oasissanctuary.org/index.html

Many of you recall Eddie Lama, from Tribe of Heart’s film “The Witness.” The tough-talking New Yorker whose world revolves around animals opened Oasis Sanctuary a decade ago — as a “home to animals who otherwise had no other place to go. Our wonderful ‘D-List’ critters have included fighters, biters, ‘pee-ers ‘n poopers’ alongside the blind, the crippled, and the crazy,” Eddie writes in his bittersweet farewell.

THIS IS WHAT OASIS NEEDS NOW:

* Responsible individuals and like-minded organizations to adopt our cats and dogs (thankfully, the farm animals have all found permanent homes);
* Immediate donations to help us cover $30,000 in back taxes; and
* Continual financial support for sheltering and providing daily care for the unplaced animals.

For information on donations and adoptions to help Eddie and his magnificent critters, go to: www.oasissanctuary.org/index.html

============================

11. Michael Vick: Early Release & Back To NFL?

SOURCE: 11/25/08, Vick enters guilty plea, gets suspended sentence
READ FULL STORY: www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/11/25/vick_virginia_hearing.html

VICK MAY LEAVE PRISON EARLY & RETURN TO NFL

Vick pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge in a Virginia courtroom. Under a plea agreement, the Falcons quarterback received a 3-year suspended prison term and a $2,500 fine on a charge of attending, sponsoring and participating in dog fights. A charge of cruelty to animals with prejudice was dismissed. He also received 4 years’ probation… The [state] charges against Vick carried a maximum sentence of 10 years…

Vick is currently serving a 23-month federal sentence on felony charges related to dogfighting. He is suspended indefinitely by the NFL… Vick is scheduled to be released from federal prison July 20, 2009. With his state case completed, he is eligible to participate in the Federal Bureau of Prisons re-entry program. The program could include an early release and a stay at a halfway house for up to 6 months…

SOURCE: 11/21/08, Report: Vick put family pets in ring
READ FULL STORY HERE: www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/11/21/michael_vick_dogfighting.html?cxntnid=bn_2008-11-21_23_31_id617_e

VICK’S FAMILY ANIMALS FOUGHT IN THE RING TOO

Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls and thought it was funny watching the trained killers injure or kill the helpless dogs. In a 17-page report filed Aug. 28, 2008, by case agent James Knorr of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and released under the Freedom of Information Act, a person identified as confidential witness No. 1 said Vick placed pets in the ring against pit bulls owned by “Bad Newz Kennels” at least twice and watched as the pit bulls “caused major injuries…”

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

Jan-Mar 2008 UPDATES: The Dogs That Vick Hurt

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-mar_2008.html#anchor26

Sept-Dec 2007 UPDATES: Vick’s Dogs…You Helped Save Their Lives

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2007.html

10/29/07: KC DIGEST – Ensure Vick’s Dogs Are Spared, As Promised

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2007_10.html#anchor9

8/28/07: Salvation For Vick’s Dogs?

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1676&seriesfirst=true

============================

If it’s dated by Dec. 31, it’s tax-deductible for 2008…
Thanks for helping us work for animals in the New Year!
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* DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
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SUBSCRIBE:
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Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

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Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 24, 2008 12:08 AM
Subject: Part 2/ UPDATES: OCT-DEC 2008

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

PART 2: OCT – DEC 2008 / KINSHIP CIRCLE UPDATES
YEAR END WRAP UP – Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 2: KC UPDATES / OCT – DEC 2008

12. Hero’s Plan To Save Wild Horses Moves Forward
13. Until Export Is Banned, More Horses Killed
14. Rodeo “Horse Tripping” Outlawed In Phoenix
15. Houston: Biggest Dogfight Bust In U.S. History
16. Activists Vow To Overturn Navy’s Use Of Sonar
17. Oxford Univ. Lab To Use Thousands Of Animals
18. Prop 2 Passes For Calif. Farmed Animals
19. EU Proposal To Ban Great Apes In Experiments
20. Ringling Bros. Big Fat Federal Lawsuit
21. Alaska Whales: 1 vs. Gov. Sarah Palin: 0

PART 1: KC UPDATES / OCT – DEC 2008
RESEND PART #1 TO ME: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

1. Donna Karan Announces Fur-Free 2009 Lines
2. Dragged Pit Bull Is Healing And Soon Adoptable
3. Cat Killing Boyfriend Walks Free
4. Records Show Big Industry Planned AETA All Along
5. Obama Picks: The Good & The Not So Good
6. L.A. Assistant Fire Chief Charged In Karley’s Killing
7. Netherlands Ban Products Made Of Cape Fur Seals
8. Prempro Maker, Wyeth, Pays For Fake Articles
9. Report On Hallmark/Westland Downer Scandal
10. Eddie Lama’s Oasis Sanctuary Closes
11. Michael Vick: Early Release & Back To NFL?

============================

12. Hero’s Plan To Save Wild Horses Moves Forward

Wild horses gathered from the Fox & Lake Herd Management Area in near Empire, Nev., wait in a pen. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27738672/

SOURCE: 11/24/08, Madeleine Pickens
READ FULL STORY: madeleinepickens.com/

“I thank every one for their tremendous support. The number of responses has been simply overwhelming. It is very gratifying to know that there is strong support to not let this part of the American heritage become extinct. Be assured I am moving forward as quickly as possible with my plans for this beautiful Sanctuary and I will share with you the progress that I am making. Stay tuned, updates will be posted on my website — madeleinepickens.com/ — Thank you, Madeleine Pickens”

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

11/18/08: Update & Action – Doomed Wild Horses Have A Hero?

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2007.html#anchor16

7/10/08: BLM Wants To Kill Wild Horses

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1749&seriesfirst=true

============================

13. Until Export Is Banned, More Horses Killed

SOURCE: 11/24/08, More horses sent abroad for slaughter after ban
READ FULL STORY: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27934125/

…Last year, when state-imposed bans closed the last three U.S. horse slaughterhouses, a record 78,000 horses were exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics compiled by the Humane Society. That’s a 138% increase from 2006. Statistics show that 76,100 horses have been slaughtered in Canada and Mexico so far this year. But the actual figure is likely higher… Slaughter opponents got a hopeful sign from Congress when a proposed export-for-slaughter ban was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in late September. But the bill got hung up in the Agriculture Committee during the final days of the session and will have to be reintroduced next year…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

10/2/08: Call/Write To End Horse Slaughter For Good

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1764&seriesfirst=true

============================

14. Rodeo “Horse Tripping” Outlawed In Phoenix

SOURCE: 11/14/08, Phoenix ordinance makes horse-tripping illegal
READ FULL STORY: www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/11/14/20081114phx-horse1115.html

Phoenix City Council members approved an ordinance that makes roping or tripping equine animals for the purpose of entertainment a misdemeanor punishable by jail time or fines… Participants in horse-tripping events are awarded points for intentionally roping a galloping horse or donkey to the ground. Animal rights advocates compare the traditional charreada event to the underground games of dogfighting or cockfighting…

FACT SHEET FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/TheMythOfTheCowboy.pdf

============================

15. Houston: Biggest Dogfight Bust In U.S. History

SOURCE: 11/14/08, Largest undercover dogfighting sting in U.S. history
READ FULL STORY HERE: www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/111408kvue_dogfighting_raid-cb.1b0f3f3a2.html

Sgt. Manning, of the DPS Criminal Intelligence Service, and another DPS investigator have spent the last 15 months infiltrating the seedy world of dogfighting in Houston. “It’s the largest undercover dogfighting operation in the country,” said Assistant Harris Co. D.A. Belinda Smith… Authorities expect to arrest 85 people in multiple counties on over 155 felony charges. The investigation, called Operation Dead Game, was a joint effort between DPS, the USDA and the Harris County District Attorney’s office…

FACT SHEET FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/fatalfights.pdf

============================

16. Activists Vow To Overturn Navy’s Use Of Sonar

SOURCE: 11/13/08, U.S. Supreme Court OKs Navy use of sonar
READ FULL STORY: www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-scotus13-2008nov13,0,3987528.story

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the nation’s security outweighs the need to protect marine mammals from high-powered sonar during Navy training exercises, environmentalists said the fight was far from over. The court immediately lifted limits on the Navy exercises now being held 12 miles off the Southern California coast, in a victory for the outgoing Bush administration. But the decision doesn’t bind the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to follow the same policy…

Environmentalists…said studies have shown piercing underwater sounds cause whales to flee in panic or to dive too deeply. Whales have been found beached in Greece, the Canary Islands and the Bahamas after sonar was used, and necropsies showed signs of internal bleeding near the ears…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

Jan-Mar 2008 UPDATES: Judge To Bush Admin: You Can’t Exempt Navy In Sonar!

kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-mar_2008.html#anchor17

May-Jul 2006 UPDATES: Navy Sonar Drills Restricted Near Marine Mammal Habitat

kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_may-july_2006.html#9

8/27/04: Whales – Casualties Of Navy Training

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1223&seriesfirst=true

============================

17. Oxford Univ. Lab To Use Thousands Of Animals

SOURCE: 11/11/08, Oxford University opens controversial animal research lab
READ FULL STORY: www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/nov/11/animal-research-oxford-university

A controversial animal research laboratory…officially opened today at Oxford University… Thousands of animals will eventually be housed in the new facility, which aims to bring the university’s disparate animal research projects under one roof. The centre will provide room for mice, ferrets, monkeys and other species, such as tadpoles… The centre is expected to be fully operational by the middle of next year…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

3/23/05: Don’t Let Oxford Torture More Primates

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1323&seriesfirst=true

7/15/04: Stop Oxford University’s Research Expansion

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1199&seriesfirst=true

============================

18. Prop 2 Passes For Calif. Farmed Animals

SOURCE: 11/5/08, Historic Victory for Farm Animals!
READ FULL STORY: action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=8241.0&printer_friendly=1

FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE: The California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act passed in the largest agricultural state in the U.S. A ban on the most egregious cruelty — battery cages, veal crates, gestation crates — will be phased in. Clearly, “how animals become meals” has entered mainstream consciousness. Of equal importance: Despite the millions agribusiness lobbyists spent on overturning this initiative, it passed. The ballot initiative system, fueled by grassroots stamina, worked.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

JULY 2008 DIGEST: Help Proposition 2 Win Relief For Animals In Calif.

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_07.html#anchor3

Don’t Blow This Landmark Chance For Farmed Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1709&seriesfirst=true

FACT SHEETS FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutPoultyEggIndustr.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutThePorkIndust.pdf

============================

19. EU Proposal To Ban Great Apes In Experiments

SOURCE: 11/5/08, Protection of animals in scientific experiments
READ FULL STORY: europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1632&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

The European Commission presented a proposal to strengthen protection of animals still used in scientific procedures… The new provisions will also contribute to minimizing as far as possible the number of animals used in experiments… The use of non-human primates is subject to restrictions, and the proposal also introduces a ban on the use of great apes — chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans — in scientific procedures. Only when survival of the species itself is at stake, or in the case of an unexpected outbreak of a life-threatening or debilitating disease in humans, can a Member State exceptionally be granted permission for their use…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

9/6/07: Urge Primate Testing Ban In Europe

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1679&seriesfirst=true

============================

20. Ringling Bros. Big Fat Federal Lawsuit

SOURCE: 10/24/08, CIRCUS BEASTS OF HURTIN’
READ FULL STORY HERE: www.nypost.com/seven/10242008/news/nationalnews/circus_beasts_of_hurtin_135048.htm

After 8 years of legal wrangling, Ringling Bros. heads to Washington federal court (10/27/08) to answer charges from animal-rights groups that it beats its Asian elephants. The ASPCA, three other pro-animal groups and a former Ringling employee have filed a suit charging that circus workers routinely hit the elephants with a bull hook – a club with a sharp, pointed hook — while training and disciplining them.

The suit, filed in June 2000, also contends that Ringling employees forcibly remove baby elephants from their mothers with ropes and chains before they are weaned. And it claims that elephants are kept chained for up to 100 hours while being moved in train cars. All these actions violate the 1973 Endangered Species Act, the suit says…

FACT SHEET FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/RinglingBrosTheBigCon.pdf

============================

21. Alaska Whales: 1 vs. Gov. Sarah Palin: 0

SOURCE: 10/18/08, Alaska Whales Protected Over Palin’s Objections
READ FULL STORY: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/17/AR2008101701046.html

The Bush administration named the beluga whale in Alaska’s Cook Inlet an endangered species despite opposition to the move by Gov. Sarah Palin. By affording the whale protection under the Endangered Species Act, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will now embark on an ambitious research effort to determine why the species is on the decline… Subsistence hunting took a toll on the Cook Inlet beluga population, which numbered as many as 1,300 in the 1970s but now stands at 375.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

9/27/08: Palin’s Pro-Death Platform On Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1762&seriesfirst=true

============================

Please help Kinship Circle work for animals in the New Year!
* DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

* DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
Public (501c3) Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi)

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

————————-

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts environment environmental environmentalist environmentalism kinship circle brenda shoss bush george bush barack obama 2008 elections sarah palin wildlife conservation pet companion animal dog canine animal fighting dogfighting blood sports michael vick animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals vivisection animal experimentation animal research animal testing primates wyeth fraud Donna Karan fur fur free faux fur horses horse slaughter horse meat prada Bluebell pit bull SEAACA california Joseph Petcka cat feline norman sex and the city Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act aeta green scare green is the new red will potter civil liberties Tom Vilsack Ken Salazar Lisa Jackson Raul Grijalva Karley Glynn Johnson Netherlands seals seal hunt factory farming factory farms farmed animals Hallmark Westland Eddie Lama Oasis Sanctuary Madeleine Pickens blm ranchers rodeo phoenix houston texas navy sonar dolphins oxford prop 2 Ringling Bros. elephants esa endangered species act beluga whale alaska news in the news flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST AS WRITTEN

11/29/08: Animals Would Like President-Elect Obama To Know…

ONLY YOU CAN BE THEIR VOICE:

1. Dogs Respectfully Demand A Rescued Presidential Pooch
2. Farmed Animals Hope For An Administration That Acts In Their Interest
3. Wild Animals Want An End To Lethal “Management”
4. What’s Your Big Idea For Change?

==========================

CONTACT INFO FOUND FOR OBAMA (DURING THE TRANSITION)

==========================

Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102; Chicago, IL 60680
Obama for America will only accept #10 envelopes.
All other mail will be returned to sender.

These Obama-related websites still have live comment forms. They are listed in order of relevance. SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO SOME…OR ALL:

CHANGE.GOV TRANSISTION TEAM / SHARE YOUR VISION:

change.gov/page/s/yourvision

CHANGE.GOV TRANSISTION TEAM / CONTACT FORM:

change.gov/page/content/contact/

Obama-Biden Transition Project: 202-540-3000

OBAMA FOR AMERICA CAMPAIGN / WEB MAIL FORM:

answercenter.barackobama.com/cgi-bin/barackobama.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

EMAIL BARACK OBAMA’S CAMPAIGN / WEB MAIL FORM:

congressorg.capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/alert/?alertid=11008941

CONTACT BARACK OBAMA.NET
Established to educate the public about Barack Obama; If you’d like to make a comment, we would love to hear from you: info [at] BarackObama.net

OBAMA, U.S. SENATOR FOR ILLINOIS / WEB EMAIL FORM:

obama.senate.gov/contact/index.php

***Kinship Circle cannot guarantee validity of email addresses. During campaigns, recipients may change or disable their email addresses. Emails from government, corporate, or institute websites may be incorrect.

==========================

1. Dogs Demand A Rescued Presidential Pooch

==========================

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA SAID:

“With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it’s generated more interest on our website than just about anything. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So whether we’re going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household.”

SOURCE:

Ask Obama To Save A Dog’s Life, www.presidential-pooch-pardon.com/
David Meyer, Davidm [at] AdoptaPet.com
www.Adopt-a-Pet.com, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

CONTACT INFO / TAKE ACTION:

SEND IT YOURSELF: See all available contact info at top of this alert.
SEND BY WEB PETITION: www.presidential-pooch-pardon.com/

SAMPLE LETTER BY: www.presidential-pooch-pardon.com/

Kinship Circle did not write this sample letter.

Dear President-Elect Obama,

We thank you for your decision to add a dog to your family, and for considering rescue as an option. You’ve expressed concern that due to your daughter’s allergies, you may not be able to adopt from a shelter. In fact, animal shelters are full of “hypoallergenic” dogs who are perfect for the First Family. Please give a Presidential pardon to a shelter dog, and inspire millions of others to save a pet’s life by adopting!”

Sincerely, (Your name / address / city, state, zip)

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE STORY OF BABY:

During the campaign, then-Senator Obama promised his daughters they would get a dog after the election. This made lighthearted news after the President-elect mentioned it in his acceptance speech, but there is a tragic side to the story, due to a special 3-legged dog named “Baby” who found her way into Barack Obama’s arms when he was a newly elected Senator…

READ FULL STORY:

President Obama and the story of “Baby”

www.deathrowpets.net/PDFs/Obama_Baby.pdf

How a 3-legged dog inspired our next President

www.animalliberationfront.com/News/2008_11/RescueBabyBarack.htm

MORE REFERENCES & READS:

Send a signal: Adopt a mutt

www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20081112_Send_a_signal__Adopt_a_mutt.html

Animal shelters perk up over First Pooch candidates

tinyurl.com/689qsu

Obamas won’t find a ‘hypoallergenic’ dog

tinyurl.com/629dfu

VIDEO / Presidential-Pooch-Pardon.com

==========================

2. Farmed Animals Hope For Something Better

==========================

SOURCE:

Bring Change to the U.S. Department of Agriculture

www.farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/alert_secofag.html

CONTACT INFO / TAKE ACTION:

SEND IT YOURSELF: See all available contact info at top of this alert.
SEND BY WEB PETITION: secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=173

SAMPLE LETTER BY FARM SANCTUARY

Kinship Circle did not write this sample letter.

Dear President-Elect Obama,

The Obama Administration has promised change — something desperately needed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I write to urge you to appoint a Secretary of Agriculture who supports humane agricultural policies and will guide the Agency in a new direction, one that includes sustainable, organic farming and healthy, plant-based diets available to all Americans.

Millions of farm animals are annually subject to industrialized production and slaughter, yet few federal laws govern their treatment. For too long our food policies have been driven by harmful industrial animal agriculture and subsidies to wealthy meat and dairy interests. It is time for the USDA to focus on healthy, sustainable and compassionate systems of food production.

Please appoint a Secretary of Agriculture with a vision for healthy people, healthy animals and a healthy environment. The treatment of animals matters to Americans and it should matter to the USDA as well.

Sincerely, (Your name / address / city, state, zip)

MORE REFERENCES & READS:

Urge President-elect Obama to appoint an animal-friendly Secretary of Agriculture

community.hsus.org/humane/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=28939623

==========================

3. Wildlife Want An End To Lethal Management

==========================

SOURCE:

Brian Vincent, brian [at] bigwildlife.org, www.bigwildlife.org

CONTACT INFO / TAKE ACTION:

SEND IT YOURSELF: See all available contact info at top of this alert.

TALKING POINTS BY: Brian Vincent, brian [at] bigwildlife.org

Kinship Circle did not write this sample letter.

– Urge President-Elect Obama’s administration to end Wildlife Service’s aggressive and expansive lethal control of “carnivore” wildlife.

– Every year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services kills millions of animals, including thousands of native carnivores.

– USDA Wildlife Services employs a host of cruel — and largely ineffective, expensive, and unnecessary — methods to kill coyotes, bears, cougars, wolves, and other wildlife. Animals are shot, poisoned, gassed, trapped, snared, clubbed, pursued by hounds, helicopters, and planes, and lured to bait stations where they are gunned down.

– Dogs, cats and other animals are unintentionally injured or killed. 2007: Wildlife Services killed 2.4 million animals, including 121,565 Carnivores.

– Wildlife Services kills wild animals for such minor offenses as wandering onto private property, eating pet food, and digging in gardens. Thousands more are killed to mollify agribusiness, even though non-lethal measures, such as installation of proper fencing, strobes, and motion detector devices, are often effective in preventing conflicts.

– Carnivore numbers are also “culled” to boost “game” species for hunters.

– In addition, these animals are frequently targeted out of hysteria perpetuated by some government agencies, hunters, and development interests. Yet, it is usually irresponsible human behavior that leads to conflicts with wildlife. For more information visit: www.bigwildlife.org/

Always sign comments with your name / address / city, state, zip.

MORE REFERENCES & READS:

Advocating For Wild Animals

www.bigwildlife.org/TakeAction.php

==========================

4. What’s Your Big Idea For Change?

==========================

SOURCE:

Stephanie Ernst, mail [at] stephanieernst.com
www.change.org, animalrights.change.org

CONTACT INFO / TAKE ACTION:

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS: www.change.org/ideas

President-Elect Obama says he wants to hear ideas from all Americans, so we’re taking him up on his offer. Here’s your chance to pose innovative solutions to the major problems we face and to get them heard. Submit your ideas for how to change America, and vote for your favorites. The top 10 ideas will be presented to the Obama administration on Inauguration Day…

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS: www.change.org/ideas

Scroll down, on the right, to “Ideas by Cause.” There are only a few animal ideas currently… Here’s the direct link to the animal rights category: www.change.org/ideas/browse?category_id=25407

* VOTE for the animal-related ideas you would like to see presented
* POST NEW IDEAS that you have
* SEND LINKS to your animal rights-minded friends and ask them to vote as well.

**************************

WAYS YOU CAN HELP KEEP KINSHIP CIRCLE’S WORK ALIVE:

* DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

* DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

* PLEDGE A MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TO KINSHIP CIRCLE:
Donate online or by mail, each month, to help Kinship Circle meet its expenses.

**************************

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
Public (501c3) Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi)

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

————————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare 2008 elections barack obama hsus hslf humane society humane society of the united states humane society legislative fund kinship circle farm sanctuary companion animal pet dog canine farming meat factory farming environment action alert flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST AS WRITTEN

11/25/08: Due 11/28 – Save Gray Wolves From Bush Admin’s Kill Plan

FOR A FORMATTED LETTER (WORD DOC), EMAIL: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Easily modify letter. Copy/paste it into an email or print letter to fax or mail.

***COMMENTS DUE BY NOVEMBER 28, 2008***

====================

FULL CONTACT INFORMATION. Sample Letter Follows

====================

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
ph: 202-208-3100
email: Secretary_of_the_Interior [at] ios.doi.gov, webteam [at] ios.doi.gov
web mail: www.interior.gov/contact.html

Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AW37
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203
**WE DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS OR FAXES**
web mail comment form:

www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=09000064807a85b8

***Kinship Circle cannot guarantee validity of email addresses. During campaigns, recipients may change or disable their email addresses. Emails from government, corporate, or institute websites may be incorrect.

====================

SAMPLE LETTER — This letter is prepared to inform you about the issue.
Try to shorten and personalize your letter before sending.

====================

RE: Docket FWS-R6-ES-2008-0008 / RIN 1018-AW37
Gray Wolves Belong on the Federal Endangered Species List

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to remove Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife is a last-ditch gift to logging, drilling and hunting industries.

This reckless bid permits Northern Rockies states to slaughter almost 1,000 gray wolves during the initial year alone. Please register my firm opposition to the Bush Administration’s irresponsible management of endangered wildlife. I implore the Interior Department to uphold rigorous federal protection for wolves.

The fate of gray wolves should not be handed over to the states. Wolf pups continue to succumb to disease and park biologists estimate a diminishing number of Yellowstone wolves this year. State-sanctioned killing would once again drive gray wolves to the verge of extinction.

Projected kill quotas reflect a lack of thought about repercussions. Idaho okays the slaughter of over 400 wolves in the first year. Wyoming’s recent agenda authorizes killing over half the wolves beyond national park borders.

Moreover, biologists claim at least 2,000-3,000 wolves are essential to recovery. Shortsighted federal recovery goals do not concur with scientific findings. In fact, last July a federal judge determined that the present plan is flawed. The rule change would make a bad plan even worse. In Wyoming, for example, the revised strategy calls for 88% of the state to be designated a predator zone.

Instead of chipping away at gray wolf restoration, the Fish and Wildlife Service must advocate an inclusive management plan for the lower-48 states. Please do not strip current safeguards for wolves, unless a revitalized national plan — in which all Northern Rockies states support survival over slaughter — is ready to put into practice.

Thank you,

====================

SOURCE OF INFORMATION / REFERENCE LINKS

====================

Fend off the Bush Administration’s 11th Hour Attacks

www.nrdconline.org/campaign/save_yellowstone_wolves_112008

Bush Administration Takes Aim at Endangered Species

www.nrdcactionfund.org/campaigns/wildlife/save-endangered-gray-wolves.html

Docket: FWS-R6-ES-2008-0008
Designating the Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a
Distinct Population Segment and Removing This Distinct Population Segment
From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064807a85b8

Search Federal Documents Accepting Comments Or Submissions

www.regulations.gov/search/index.jsp

*******************************

WAYS YOU CAN HELP KEEP KINSHIP CIRCLE’S WORK ALIVE:
* DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

* DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

* PLEDGE A MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TO KINSHIP CIRCLE:
Donate online or by mail, each month, to help Kinship Circle meet its expenses.

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Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
No goods or services are received in exchange for donations.
Public (501c3) Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi)

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* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
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* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss wolf wolves hunting george bush politics gray wolves gray wolf fws usfws Fish and Wildlife Service Northern Rocky Mountain environment wildlife conservation oil drilling ranching logging flickr photos news in the news

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY, PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

11/18/08: UPDATE + ACTION
Doomed Wild Horses Have A Hero?
FOR A FORMATTED LETTER (WORD DOC), EMAIL: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Easily modify letter. Copy/paste it into an email or print letter to fax or mail.

Wild horses gathered from the Fox & Lake Herd Management Area in near Empire, Nev., wait in a pen. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27738672/

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UPDATE: PICKENS TO THE RESCUE? NEW HOPE FOR BLM HORSES

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EDITED FOR LENGTH, READ FULL STORY HERE:
A Dramatic Rescue for Doomed Wild Horses of the West

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/17/AR2008111703680.html?hpid=topnews

The unwanted horses seemed destined for death… The Bureau of Land Management knew that euthanasia was a legal alternative, but officials were proceeding slowly, afraid of an intense public outcry. The wild horses had become too expensive to maintain, and cattlemen argued that turning them loose would be a drain on the already scarce grazing lands of the West.

Then (11/17/08), at a public hearing in Reno, Nevada…Madeleine Pickens, wife of billionaire T. Boone Pickens, made known her intentions to adopt not just the doomed wild horses but most or all of the 30,000 horses and burros kept in federal holding pens… Madeleine Pickens is looking for land in the West that would be an appropriate home for the horses.

She is working with the BLM staff to adopt the horses, said Henri Bisson, the bureau’s deputy director, while the agency persuades Congress to shift $20 million in funding to feed and protect the horses now in captivity for another year. As backup to Pickens’s offer, he said, two other groups, both animal rescue organizations, have expressed similar interest in adoption. “We are very hopeful that euthanasia won’t be necessary this year,” he said.

News that Pickens and others intend to adopt wild horses and burros was celebrated by animal rights groups; several were preparing legal challenges to prevent the government from putting the horses to death… MORE: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/17/AR2008111703680.html?hpid=topnews

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FULL CONTACT INFORMATION. Sample letter follows.

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Bureau of Land Management
National Wild Horse and Burro Program, WO-260
ATTN: Ramona DeLorme
1340 Financial Boulevard
Reno, Nevada, 89502-7147
ph: 775-861-6583; email: Ramona_DeLorme [at] blm.gov
**Include “WH&B” in the subject of your email + name/address in the body**

U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Office of Public Affairs
1849 C St NW, #5655 MIB; Washington, DC 20240
ph: 202-208-3801; fax: 202-208-5242
James Caswell, Director: James_Caswell [at] blm.gov
Henri Bisson, Deputy Director Operations: Henri_R_Bisson [at] blm.gov
Luke Johnson, Deputy Director Programs and Policy: Luke_D_Johnson [at] blm.gov
Janet Lin, Chief of Staff: janet_lin [at] blm.gov

To identify your federal legislators and find contact info, try:
Congress.org – www.Congress.org
USA Senate – www.senate.gov
USA House of Representatives – www.house.gov
Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121

The Honorable Representative _____________________________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Senators _________________________________
The U.S. Senate, U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee validity of email addresses. During
campaigns, recipients may change or disable their email addresses. Emails
from government, corporate, or institute websites may be incorrect.

===========================================================
SAMPLE LETTER — This letter is prepared to inform you about the issue.
Try to shorten and personalize your letter before sending.
===========================================================

U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Senators, and Representative:

I understand the Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board convened on 11/17/08 to consider the fate of wild horses and burros on Western public rangelands.

The BLM has angered citizens worldwide by depleting 19.4 million acres once allotted to wild horses. The roundup of thousands of animals in eight years alone has thinned viable herds to all but a scattering.

In their place, millions of privately held cows graze on public rangelands. Oil and gas drilling leases squeeze out wild herds as well.

Contrary to BLM misinformation, the public now realizes: Wild herds are not overpopulated. They do not require mass “rescue” and relocation to government compounds, only to be slaughtered because BLM captures more animals than it can adopt out.

Fortunately, Madeleine Pickens, wife of billionaire T. Boone Pickens, has stepped forward to adopt not only 2,000 healthy mustangs set for immediate slaughter, but also some 30,000 other horses and burros trapped in federal holding pens. Considering the couple’s crusade to shut down the last U.S. equine slaughter plant, along with their aid for animals stranded by Hurricane Katrina — they may just be the heroes who help BLM save face.

Clearly, the present system does not work. At the root of the debate is a law that allows euthanasia and a national outcry against it.

For over 30 years, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act of 1971 preserved “wild free-roaming horses and burros,” as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” The law mandates horses be “considered…an integral part of the system of public lands.” Yet, this same law directs the government to maintain “appropriate management levels.”

I strongly urge BLM to integrate non-violent methods — such as range expansion in conjunction with the National Park Service and intensified contraception programs. In addition, property owners who permit wild horses on their grounds ought to receive tax incentives.

The BLM is tasked to monitor federal lands that belong to all Americans. This agency and the U.S. Congress should heed overwhelming opposition to death. Please release wild horses and burros to some of the 19.4 million-acre range they once roamed.

Thank you,

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KINSHIP CIRCLE NEEDS FUNDING TO CONTINUE ITS WORK:

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

The sad truth is: Any nonprofit organization has to function like a “business,” with daily overhead for office supplies, hardware/software, web design, phone and internet, printing, disaster-related supplies, travel, communication… Currently, Kinship Circle board members are at work on prospects for long-term grant funding. Unfortunately, grants are a very long and tedious process — and Kinship Circle needs operational funds NOW. We are extremely grateful for any tax-deductible donations.

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SOURCE OF INFORMATION / REFERENCE LINKS

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BLM Sets Meeting of National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board

www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2008/october/NR_10_17_2008.html

BLM Wants To Kill Wild Horses

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1749&seriesfirst=true

WILD HORSES IN IMMEDIATE DANGER

www.all-creatures.org/alert/alert-20081116.html

Lost Thunder: BLM Preparing to Execute 30,000 Wild Horses

www.pubrecord.org/commentary/499-lost-thunder-blm-preparing-to-execute-30000-wild-horses.html

Wild horse advocates decry government proposal to euthanize symbol of American freedom

www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-wild-horses-euthanasia,0,5865463.story

Wild horse advocates decry euthanasia option

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27738672/

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Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
Kingship Circle / Public (501c3) Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi)

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
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* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss blm bureau of land management horses wild horses wildlife conservation horse slaughter horse meat public lands burros pests meat cattle ranchers cattle grazing oil gas environment Madeleine Pickens T. Boone Pickens news in the news flickr photos

Can you spare a few words?

We were so impressed with the response to our recent Horse Hero alert that we decided to ask for your help with another project. This one doesn’t require your personal knowledge of any heroes in your area. It just requires your creativity.

We need five (or fewer) simple words that convey your disgust with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) for its support of horse slaughter. You may not know this, but AQHA — in large part because of its own active encouragement of over-breeding — has lobbied against legislation banning horse slaughter in the United States as well as legislation prohibiting the export of horses for slaughter and eventual consumption.

It is time we show them that the community of horse lovers in this country finds this completely unacceptable. So here is what we are going to do…

From November 7-22, the AQHA will be holding its annual World Show in Oklahoma City. As this show is taking place, we will ask our supporters to send protest emails to AQHA’s leadership. The subject line of the email will be a short phrase that conveys our collective opposition to AQHA’s support of horse slaughter. We came up with one idea but want to know if you can come up with something better. Here is our contribution to the effort:

Horse: It’s NOT for Dinner!

If you have a short phrase you think might work, send it to info [at] horse-protection.org, with the phrase in the subject line, by midnight on Sunday (11/9). We will pick our favorite and incorporate it into our action in a couple of weeks.

So put your thinking cap on. We look forward to seeing your phrases and will keep you posted about the progress of this campaign.

Sincerely,

Team NHPL

The National Horse Protection League is an online community dedicated to making every horse a wanted horse. Our mission is simple: to protect horses and help owners who can no longer care for their animals find a humane and loving alternative to cruel death or abandonment. Visit www.horse-protection.org and find out how you can show your love of horses.

(C) 2007 National Horse Protection League | www.horse-protection.org | About Us | Contact Us | Unsubscribe

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts National Horse Protection League nhpl horses horse slaughter horse meat wildlife conservation American Quarter Horse Association aqha slogan contest

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

PART 1: KC UPDATES / AUG – OCT 2008
Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 1: KC UPDATES / AUG- OCT 2008
1. Dogfighting Don’s First Day In Louisiana Court
2. Ringling Goes To Federal Trial October 20, 2008?
3. Dog Poisoner Gets 30 Jail Days + Counseling
4. HSUS Sues United Egg Producers
5. Bush Admin Objects, But Polar Bears Get Habitat
6. Our Visit To The Vice Prez Debate, St. Louis, MO
7. After AETA: Another Law To Silence Activists
8. Prop 2 Looks Good As Nov. 4 Elections Approach
9. Bush Admin VS. Gray Wolves: GOP Losing
10. Politics Trumps Mercy: Still No Downer Ban

PART 2: KC UPDATES / AUG – OCT 2008
PLEASE RESEND ME PART #2: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
11. Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Obama
12. Police Sgt. Acquitted In Dog’s Death In Locked Car
13. Who Dumped HLS Animal Killers Lately?
14. Shooting Mayor’s Dogs Is “Justified.” Huh?
15. Freedom For Unlawfully Jailed Austrian Activists
16. 8 Little Lambs Left A Lab – To Live At A Sanctuary
17. New Development Proves: IAMS Kills
18. Nepal Bans Monkey Export To Research Labs
19. Korea to Classify Dogs as Livestock
20. NJ: Landmark Legal Victory For Farm Animals
21. EU Proposes Total Ban On Some Seal Goods
22. Calif. Law Bans Slaughter Of Downers
23. Hits & Misses For Animals

RE: 10/10/08: Don’t Let Soldiers Kill Beloved Dog In Iraq

NO ANSWERS YET, BUT SEE: Puppy love denied by U.S. army rules

cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/10/14/7080146-ap.html

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1. Dogfighting Don’s First Day In Louisiana Court

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DATE: 10/14/08

SOURCE: Illegal dogfight case begins

theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081014/NEWS01/81013020

Pit bull breeders face dog-fighting charges

www.2theadvocate.com/news/acadiana/30729964.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

This case has languished since pre-Katrina 2005 when State Police recovered dogfighting magazines, pictures, home videos, a treadmill, steroids, surgical equipment to repair wounds from fighting, and break sticks used to pry open a pit bull’s jaws, etc. — from the property of Boudreaux and his son.

The trial of a Broussard man and his son, who are facing more than 40 counts of dogfighting, began following several trial postponements. Floyd Boudreaux, 73, and his son Guy Boudreaux, 44, were arrested in March 2005 and charged with 48 counts of dogfighting after Louisiana State Police officers seized more than 50 pit bulls, allegedly used for illegal dogfighting, from their Lafayette parish residence. Boudreaux and his son waived their rights to a jury to proceed with the case. The court heard
opening statements from Prosecutor Ronald Dauterive and defense lawyer Jason Robideaux… More witnesses, including more than 10 defense witnesses, are set to appear in court…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

1/20/06: LA Dogfight Thugs Are Charged

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-april_2006.html#10

1/18/06: Justice Lags In Bust Of LA Dogfighting Dynasty

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/fatalfights.pdf

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2. Ringling Goes To Federal Trial October 20, 2008?

=========================

DATE: 10/12/08

SOURCE: Lawsuit Against Ringling Bros. to Protect Asian Elephants Moves Forward

www.awionline.org/wildlife/elephants/rbsuit.htm

HEART for Animals, animalrights.meetup.com/242/

Ringling Bros. to stand trial for elephant abuse beginning October 20, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Photo: Demo at Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ 2008. HEART for Animals, heartforanimals [at] optonline.net

EDITED FOR LENGTH

From Kinship Circle — We couldn’t verify this long-awaited trial — however, Animal Welfare Institute, one of the plaintiffs, has a COUNTDOWN TO RINGLING BROS. TRIAL meter on its site. As of 10/12/08, the meter read:

2000-2003: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Fund for Animals, Animal Welfare Institute, and former Ringling “barn man” Tom Rider file a lawsuit against Ringling Bros. Circus under the Endangered Species Act for its cruelty to Asian elephants.

February 2002: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit unanimously holds that plaintiffs have Article III standing to bring the case. Records disclose:

* USDA neglects to inform public about numerous RBBBC elephants with tuberculosis… Documents show virtually all Ringling endangered Asian elephants are exposed to TB…

* USDA says use of chains and ropes to forcibly separate nursing elephants from mothers at Ringling’s Center for Elephant Conservation inflict “unnecessary trauma, behavioral stress and physical harm.”

2007: Federal judge rules the animal cruelty case against Ringling may proceed. Documents uncovered during lawsuit reveal employees beat, chain and wound endangered Asian elephants with bullhooks…

DETAILED (1998-PRESENT) TIMELINE OF RINGLING ON TRIAL:

www.awionline.org/news/2007/ringling_bros_abuse.htm

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/RinglingBrosTheBigCon.pdf

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3. Dog Poisoner Gets 30 Jail Days + Counseling

=========================

DATE: 10/9/08

SOURCE: CRR man sentenced to 30 days for dog poisonings

www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=9156166

EDITED FOR LENGTH

One dog died, other survived — Alan Whitacre, 68, is preparing to spend 30 days in jail and get mental health counseling after admitting to poisoning his neighbor’s dogs for months. Whitacre says his neighbor Ken Schmidt’s dogs, Timber and Topaz, barked constantly for a year. “He admitted he had lost his mind because the dogs were barking day after day, and he felt animal control and the sheriff’s office had failed him,” Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Steve Leriche told Circuit Judge Daniel Ahern. “So he said he began trying to kill the dogs.” Whitacre pleaded guilty to putting rat poison in meat and throwing it over the fence to the dogs…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

9/26/08: No Plea Deal For Poisoning Dogs

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1760&seriesfirst=true

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4. HSUS Sues United Egg Producers

=========================

DATE: 10/9/08

SOURCE: Egg Industry Sued for Deceiving Consumers about Animal Welfare

www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/egg_industry_sued_for_deceiving_consumers_100908.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

A lawsuit filed by Humane Society of the United States in the District of Columbia alleges that advertising by UEP and MoArk, LLC, and R.W. Sauder, Inc., is duping consumers who care about animal welfare into buying eggs bearing the “United Egg Producers Certified” logo. While UEP touts that its certification program is an “animal welfare” program, it permits factory farmers to confine hens in restrictive, barren cages in which they can’t perform many of their natural behaviors, including perching, nesting, foraging or even spreading their wings…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

Meat-on-a-Stick for Earth Day?

www.kinshipcircle.org/columns_articles/0041.html

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5. Bush Admin Objects, But Polar Bears Get Habitat

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DATE: 10/6/08

SOURCE: Government has till 2010 to designate polar bear habitat

www.mcclatchydc.com/260/story/53565.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

WASHINGTON — Environmental groups and the Bush administration reached a partial court settlement that requires the Department of Interior to designate critical habitat for polar bears by June 30, 2010. The Department of Interior in May listed the polar bear as threatened by global warming, but didn’t designate any critical habitat protection. The Center for Biological Diversity, Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a lawsuit in an attempt to force the government to do more for the bears’ long-term survival under the Endangered Species Act…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

Apr-June 2008 UPDATES: Polar Bears Get Endangered Status

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor13

8/27/07: Polar Bears Are Not Trophies

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1674&seriesfirst=true

6/1/07: Uncertain Fate For Polar Bears

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1652&seriesfirst=true

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6. Our Visit To The Vice Prez Debate, St. Louis, MO

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DATE: 10/2/08
SOURCE: www.KinshipCircle.org

10/2/08: VICE PRESEDENT DEBATE / WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, ST. LOUIS

VIDEO: SARAH PALIN AND ANIMALS [a must see for animal advocates]

Sarah Palin’s Shocking Animal Cruelty

www.worldproutassembly.org/archives/2008/09/sarah_palins_sh.html

For those who don’t believe the number two spot on the ticket matters much, consider this: 14 vice presidents in American history eventually climbed to the top job, eight of them because their predecessors died in office. If Sarah Palin were to be propelled into the presidency and given the opportunity to run the United States like she has run Alaska — controlling Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, with wide-ranging authority over issues affecting pets, wildlife, farm animals, marine
mammals, animals in research, and public lands — it would be a terrible day for animals and for the country. Michael Markarian (HSUS and HSLF)

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

9/27/08: Palin’s Pro-Death Platform On Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1762&seriesfirst=true

9/25/07: Shot From The Sky – Aerial Wolf Hunts

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1686&seriesfirst=true

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7. After AETA: Another Law To Silence Activists

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DATE: 10/1/08

SOURCE: New Law Shields UC Scientists

www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=17239

Assembly Bill 2296, the Researcher Protection Act of 2008

www.animalliberationfront.com/News/2008_10/NewLawShieldsUCScientists.htm

EDITED FOR LENGTH (but you ought to read it all, at either link above)

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed UC-backed legislation into law — Assembly Bill 2296, the Researcher Protection Act of 2008… The legislation immediately…bans publications describing researchers’ appearances or residences, and legally bars individuals from entering a researcher’s home with the intent to commit a crime… The provision criminalizes any speech designed to threaten or intimidate academic researchers, thereby restricting the speaker’s First Amendment rights.

Jerry Vlasak, a spokesman for the North American Animal Liberation, said: “The University likes to make it seem like all scientific progress will come to a halt if animal testing is restricted. That simply is not the case. Anti-animal testing protesters have been primarily challenging the use of primates, such as the UC using BOTOX to paralyze primate’s eye muscles and gluing metal coils to their corneas to study eye movements. They have been doing this study for 20 years and it has done nothing to help humans.”

Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!, said: “Since researchers are using public funds…people have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent.” According to SAEN, the UC system holds over 5,000 primates, primarily at laboratories connected to UC Davis, UC San Francisco and UC Los Angeles. Many experiments are highly invasive and painful, SAEN asserts, and involve procedures like water deprivation, exposure to infectious diseases and the bolting of devices to the skull…

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8. Prop 2 Looks Good As Nov. 4 Elections Approach

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STATEWIDE POLL SHOWS YES! ON PROP 2 LEADING 72-10

DATE: 9/30/08

SOURCE: Jennifer Fearing, jfearing [at] hsus.org

EDITED FOR LENGTH

SACRAMENTO — The YES! on Prop 2 campaign reports a tidal wave of voter and donor support from Californians backing the effort to stop the inhumane treatment of animals on industrial factory farms. In contrast, donations raised by the No on Prop 2 campaign have come from a handful of corporate factory farming interests — most out of state and many embroiled in a national price-fixing scandal. The results of a new statewide poll by KSFN-Fresno/SurveyUSA show overwhelming support from voters, with Prop 2 commanding a 62-point lead: 72-10 (18 undecided).

PROP 2 SPONSORS SUE U.S DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

DATE: 8/21/08

SOURCE: For now, feds will steer clear of California animal-rights measure

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/21/BA0912G90F.DTL&tsp=1

EDITED FOR LENGTH

In papers filed in San Francisco, the U.S. Department of Agriculture denied accusations in a lawsuit that it planned illegal political spending… The suit accuses Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer of approving a $3 million budget increase for the American Egg Board to use in advertising against Prop. 2. The board is a government-supervised group of egg producers that collects fees from the industry to research and promote egg products… The expenditure would violate a federal law prohibiting the agency from using any funds to influence government policy, the suit said…

LEARN ABOUT PROP 2 AND HOW TO HELP IT PASS: yesonprop2.com

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

JULY 2008 DIGEST: Help Proposition 2 Win Relief For Animals In Calif.

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_07.html#anchor3

Don’t Blow This Landmark Chance For Farmed Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1709&seriesfirst=true

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9. Bush Admin VS. Gray Wolves: GOP Losing

=========================

CONSERVATIONISTS WIN LAWSUIT TO PROTECT GRAY WOLVES IN GREAT LAKES

DATE: 9/29/08

SOURCE: Court Orders Bush Admin to Retain Protections for Wolves…

www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2008/gray-wolves-09-29-2008.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Judge Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today ordered the Bush administration to retain protection for gray wolves in the Great Lakes area under the Endangered Species Act. The Court’s order and accompanying opinion were issued in response to a lawsuit brought by conservationists challenging the Bush administration’s effort to unlawfully apply the Endangered Species Act to the status of gray wolves…

DELISTING OF GRAY WOLVES IN YELLOWSTONE & NORTHERN ROCKIES RESCINDED

DATE: 9/17/08

SOURCE: Save America’s Wolves, www.savewolves.org

EDITED FOR LENGTH

In March 2008, the Bush/Cheney Administration eliminated Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies. For months, wolves were slaughtered… until conservation groups prevailed in court and restored federal protections for these magnificent animals. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) officials say they plan to rescind the plan to delist gray wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies sometime soon and place them back under federal protections…

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT GRAY WOLVES PERMANENTLY:

Speak Up For the Gray Wolf Today

salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1322

Help Ensure a Lasting Future for Wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies

action.defenders.org/site/PageServer?pagename=savewolves_takeaction

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

3/29/08: Gray Wolf Hunts Planned After De-Listing

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor28

4/27/04: Western Gray Wolves Under Attack

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10. Politics Trumps Mercy: Still No Downer Ban

=========================

DATE: 9/29/08

SOURCE: Industry News / Senate snubs bill with non-ambulatory cattle language

www.meatingplace.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?item=9831

EDITED FOR LENGTH

The U.S. Senate rejected a motion to proceed to debate the Economic Stimulus package, which included language that would ban non-ambulatory cattle from entering the food supply. The measure was rejected by a vote of 52 to 42, leaving it short of the 60 votes required to proceed… USDA proposed a rule banning non-ambulatory cattle last month (Aug. 27, 2008)…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

7/14/08: No Downers. No Exceptions. NOW.

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1751&seriesfirst=true

Apr-June 2008 UPDATES: Downer News – Big Meat Backs Downer Ban + More…

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor16

3/2/08: I’m Mad. Downer Ban? USDA Says Forget It

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1727&seriesfirst=true

2/23/08: USDA-Certified Cruel: Downers Dragged, Shocked, Rammed

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1725&seriesfirst=true

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/DownedOnTheFarmPHOTOS.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/HortonHearsACow.pdf

=========================

Due To Lack Of Funding, Kinship Circle May Fold

=========================

This decision is by no means final, as we struggle for a “miracle” grant in these difficult economic times. Your donations are cherished…Anything contributed now is tax-deductible and goes directly to our programs.

Still, we need an operating budget grant to remain “in business” for you and the animals. We will certainly keep our supporters updated…and function as usual until such time we must close.

AGAIN; We are not folding right now. But it may happen within the year, if we don’t secure funding to pay for overhead and projects.

* Animal Disaster Aid Networking & Response
* Educational Literature And Outreach
* Website With Downloadable Tools For Activists
* Research/Campaigns To Help animals…and more

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/
DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
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Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Subject: Part 2/ UPDATES: AUG-OCT 2008

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

PART 2: KC UPDATES / AUG – OCT 2008
Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 2: KC UPDATES / AUG – OCT 2008
11. Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Obama
12. Police Sgt. Acquitted In Dog’s Death In Locked Car
13. Who Dumped HLS Animal Killers Lately?
14. Shooting Mayor’s Dogs Is “Justified.” Huh?
15. Freedom For Unlawfully Jailed Austrian Activists
16. 8 Little Lambs Left A Lab – To Live At A Sanctuary
17. New Development Proves: IAMS Kills
18. Nepal Bans Monkey Export To Research Labs
19. Korea to Classify Dogs as Livestock
20. NJ: Landmark Legal Victory For Farm Animals
21. EU Proposes Total Ban On Some Seal Goods
22. Calif. Law Bans Slaughter Of Downers
23. Hits & Misses For Animals

PART 1: KC UPDATES / AUG – OCT 2008
PLEASE RESEND ME PART #1: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
1. Dogfighting Don’s First Day In Louisiana Court
2. Ringling Goes To Federal Trial October 20, 2008?
3. Dog Poisoner Gets 30 Jail Days + Counseling
4. HSUS Sues United Egg Producers
5. Bush Admin Objects, But Polar Bears Get Habitat
6. Our Visit To The Vice Prez Debate, St. Louis, MO
7. After AETA: Another Law To Silence Activists
8. Prop 2 Looks Good As Nov. 4 Elections Approach
9. Bush Admin VS. Gray Wolves: GOP Losing
10. Politics Trumps Mercy: Still No Downer Ban

RE: 10/10/08: Don’t Let Soldiers Kill Beloved Dog In Iraq
NO ANSWERS YET, BUT SEE: Puppy love denied by U.S. army rules

cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/10/14/7080146-ap.html

=========================

11. Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Obama

=========================

DATE: 9/22/08

SOURCE: Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Obama-Biden

hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/09/humane-society.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

The HSLF board of directors — comprised of both Democrats and Republicans — has voted unanimously to endorse Barack Obama for President… Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), as an Illinois state senator, backed at least a dozen animal protection laws, including those to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty, to help animal shelters, to promote spay/neuter, and to ban slaughter of horses for human consumption. In the U.S. Senate, he has consistently co-sponsored multiple bills to combat animal fighting and horse slaughter, and has supported efforts to increase funding for adequate enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, and
federal laws to combat animal fighting and puppy mills. MORE: hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/09/humane-society.html

Michael Markarian is the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, a
501(c)(4) social welfare organization that lobbies for animal welfare
legislation and works to elect humane-minded candidates to public office.

=========================

12. Police Sgt. Acquitted In Dog’s Death In Locked Car

=========================

DATE: 9/10/08

SOURCE: www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/09/10/20080910Lovejoy-claim0911.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Chandler Police Sgt. Tom Lovejoy’s legal saga continued… Lovejoy and his wife, Carolynn, filed a notice of claim against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, alleging the sheriff of initiating a malicious prosecution in the death of Lovejoy’s K-9 partner, Bandit. The claim seeks $350,000 in damages. Last month, a Justice of the Peace in the San Tan Justice Court acquitted Lovejoy of animal abuse. Bandit died in the back of Lovejoy’s SUV in August 2007 after being forgotten for at least 12 hours….

Attendees of the memorial signed a photo of Bandit which was going to be given to the Chandler Police Department. Julio Jimenez, Tribune,

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/95496

READ MORE ABOUT THIS CASE:

Chandler cop acquitted in animal cruelty case

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/123207

Trial Begins In Death Of Chandler Police Dog

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/123142

Hundreds gather to honor fallen K-9 officer (PHOTOS)

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/95437

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

OCT. 2007 UPDATE: 1/10/08 Trial For Sergeant Who Let Dog Die In Patrol Car

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2007.html#anchor16

9/30/07: Bandit Died Waiting In Officer’s Scorching Car

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1688&seriesfirst=true

=========================

13. Who Dumped HLS Animal Killers Lately?

=========================

MERCK DUMPS HUNTINGDON “LIFE” SCIENCES!

DATE: 9/9/08

SOURCE: Merck DUMPS Huntingdon “Life” Science!

dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/144114/index.php

EDITED FOR LENGTH

SHAC-UK, shac.net — A huge victory in the SHAC Customer Campaign: Global giant Merck has abandoned HLS and released the following statement: “We hereby state as follows: Merck KGaA has no plans to be an HLS customer in the future which plans apply to Merck KGaA globally as well as to Merck´s subsidiaries globally. According to our phone-conversation on last Friday this statement will effect that Merck KGaA will be delisted from any shac-list globally. Yours sincerely Merck KgaA”

3 COMPANIES DUMP MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION HLS/LSR SHARES IN A MONTH

DATE: 7/30/08

SOURCE: Indy Media UK, publish.indymedia.org.uk
SHAC-UK, shac.net
For The Animals 7, www.myspace.com/fortheanimals7

EDITED FOR LENGTH

After Raymond James/Eagle Asset Management and H Partners decided that shares in HLS blood money were not for them, Old Mutual, 2 Lambeth Hill, London who had shares in HLS torture through their company Acadian Asset Management also made another quick escape from the campaign against HLS and sold all LSR shares. This shows a strong message that companies still won’t deal with HLS once they find out about them!

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/WhoIsHuntingdonLifeScienc.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/HLS2005Report.pdf

=========================

14. Shooting Mayor’s Dogs Is “Justified.” Huh?

=========================

DATE: 9/5/08

SOURCE: Killing of Mayor’s 2 Dogs Justified, Pr. George’s Finds

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/04/AR2008090402746.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office has concluded in an internal review that deputies were justified when they shot and killed two dogs belonging to the mayor of Berwyn Heights during a July drug raid. Sheriff Michael Jackson said one dog was engaging an officer and the other was running toward a second officer at the time the black Labs were shot…

A necropsy requested by Mayor Cheve Clavo concluded one dog was shot four times and the other twice, including once in the dog’s back legs. Calvo said the necropsy bolstered his contention that neither dog was threatening law enforcement officers during the raid and that one dog was shot from behind as he fled into a back room. A sheriff’s department SWAT team and county police narcotics officers burst into the mayor’s home July 29 after police intercepted a 32-pound package of marijuana [falsely] addressed to Trinity Tomsic, Calvo’s wife…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

8/9/08: Mayor’s Dogs Gunned Down In Police Raid

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1756&seriesfirst=true

=========================

15. Freedom For Unlawfully Jailed Austrian Activists

=========================

DATE: 9/2/08

SOURCE: Austrian Solidarity, www.austriasolidarity.com, info [at] austriasolidarity.com

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Christof, Elmar, Felix, Jan, Jürgen, Kevin, Leo, Martin and Sabine — the remaining 9 Austrian activists — are finally free! Since the end of May, 9 activists (Christian had been released earlier) have been charged with Forming a Criminal Organization, under 278a StGB of the Austrian penal code. The Appellate court explained…the pre-trial detention cannot be upheld if the expected penalties are in no relation to it… Every letter, petition and demo directly impacted the campaign to demand justice for the TEN…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

6/11/08: Austria – Animal Activists Unlawfully Jailed

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1745&seriesfirst=true

=========================

16. 8 Little Lambs Left A Lab – To Live At A Sanctuary

=========================

DATE: 8/28/08

SOURCE: Karen Straight, Director of Outreach, The Kindness Ranch, dr.straight [at] gmail.com
Meet The Miracle Sheep Babies, picasaweb.google.com/thekindnessranch/TheSheep#
The Arrival, www.kindnessranch.org/sheep.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Kindness Ranch rescues and rehabilitates former laboratory animals…even though labs rarely relinquish their animals. But one lab did release these 8 beautiful sheep to Kindness Ranch. Here they are in a natural setting — paving the way to haven for more lab survivors in the future.

Late one evening eight little lambs arrived at the ranch. We introduced them to their new home in our barn. The next morning they were ready to come out and explore… They are all growing fast and enjoying the freedom at the ranch. www.kindnessranch.org/sheep.html

A special thank you to the Castelli Family, Lamb Family, and all the other donors for the generous donations to make this project possible. We also greatly appreciate the assistance of Brenda Shoss of Kinship Circle and Jennifer Warner is spreading the word about this project.

READ MORE ABOUT KINDNESS RANCH: WIPE YOUR PAWS

www.trib.com/articles/2008/09/13/news/wyoming/4c026df5a71bce7f872574c30021089e.txt

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

8/3/08: From Research To Ranch – Help A Miracle!

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/relief/08-08-03.html

=========================

17. New Development Proves: IAMS Kills

=========================

DATE: 8/28/08

SOURCE: UPDATE – Boycott Iams Pet Food For Its Cruel Treatment of Animals

www.rushprnews.com/2008/08/28/boycott-iams-pet-food-for-animal-cruelty/#more-2843

EDITED FOR LENGTH

WASHINGTON, DC (RUSHPRNEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released an official complaint stating that the contract laboratory investigated by PETA in 2002 and 2003 — employed by pet-food manufacturer Iams — “has shown a lack of good faith.” The government complaint alleges that the violations were documented by government inspectors at the contract laboratory from 2002 to 2005.

VIDEO: PETA’S 9-MONTH UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION:

www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video.asp?video=iams&Player=wm

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

4/2/07: TOXIC FOOD – Updates & Action Against Menu Foods

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1638&seriesfirst=true

1/5/05: IAMS Doublespeak Spells Misery For Cats And Dogs

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1284&seriesfirst=true

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/DyingForKibble.pdf

=========================

18. Nepal Bans Monkey Export To Research Labs

=========================

DATE: 8/25/08

SOURCE: Nepal Bans Exports Of Monkeys For Vivisection

www.animalliberationfront.com/ALFront/Actions-Nepal/BansMonkeyExports.htm

EDITED FOR LENGTH

The Nepalese government announced a ban on the export of monkeys for vivisection. Whilst we welcome this move we still call for the release of monkeys from farms and a complete end to all bio-medical research using monkeys in Nepal.

WATCH CAMPAIGN VIDEO OF THE MONKEY FARMS:

THEN TAKE ACTION TO FREE THE MONKEYS HERE:

www.animalliberationfront.com/ALFront/Actions-Nepal/BansMonkeyExports.htm

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

6/24/08: Nepal’s Monkeys Sold To Animal Experimenters

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1746&seriesfirst=true

10/14/06: End Breeding/Export Of Nepal’s Monkeys For Research

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1583&seriesfirst=true

=========================

19. Korea to Classify Dogs as Livestock

=========================

DATE: 8/14/08

SOURCE: www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/08/117_29358.html
It’s Their Destiny, www.2kat.net/itstheirdestiny/

EDITED FOR LENGTH

The Ministry of Environment will categorize dogs as livestock to regulate sanitation practices of large-scale dog breeders. Central and local governments have refrained from putting dogs on a par with cattle, chickens and other livestock as an official recognition of dog meat as food. Under current law, it’s “illegal” to butcher dogs and trade their meat. However, under the revised law, which will come into effect Sept. 28, large-scale “dog farmers” [who breed dogs for human consumption] must build facilities to handle the disposal of dog excretion and report it to regional authorities… According to the ministry, there are about 720,000 dog farms nationwide, raising some 2.3 million dogs as of December of 2005…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

MAY 2008 DIGEST: Stop Korea From Legalizing Dog Meat

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_05.html#anchor5

11/8/07: No More Dogs For Dinner in Philippines

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1697&seriesfirst=true

11/2/07: Outlaw Korean Cat/Dog Meat For Good

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1695&seriesfirst=true

3/16/05: Korea Moves To Legalize Dog Meat

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1318&seriesfirst=true

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/CompanionCuisine.pdf

=========================

20. NJ: Landmark Legal Victory For Farm Animals

=========================

DATE: 7/30/08

SOURCE: www.farmsanctuary.org/mediacenter/2008/pr_nj_decision08.html

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Farm Sanctuary scored a precedent-setting victory in its decade-long battle against the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s (NJDA) inhumane standards of farm animal care. In a monumental legal decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously declared that factory farming practices cannot be considered “humane” simply because they are “routine husbandry practices.” The Court also rejected the practice of tail-docking cattle, the manner in which the NJDA had provided for farm animals to be mutilated without anesthesia, and ordered the agency to readdress many of the state-mandated standards for the treatment of farm animals…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES (past campaigns no longer online):

7/7/04: Comments – NJ “Humane” Policies For Farmed Animals

12/11/03: Last Chance For Humane Bill in New Jersey

7/5/03: Cruelty As Usual On NJ Factory Farms

5/21/03: NJ Humane Standards Waived For Economic Gain

1/18/03: NJ Humane Veal Bill Reaches Assembly Floor

7/7/02: New Jersey Humane Veal Bill

1/24/01: New Jersey Initiative To Ban Intensive Confinement Systems

=========================

21. EU Proposes Total Ban On Some Seal Goods

=========================

DATE: 7/24/08
SOURCE: www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2008/07/24/in_seal_hunt_protest_eu_weighs_ban_on_some_imports/

EDITED FOR LENGTH

BRUSSELS — The European Union proposed a total trade and import ban on products from seals killed in a cruel way despite warnings it could hurt the world’s largest annual seal hunt in Canada. The plan covers hunts worldwide, but focuses on Canada because of assertions by hunt opponents that it is the cruelest… The EU proposal says trade in seal products would be allowed from countries that can offer guarantees their hunting techniques are “consistent with high animal-welfare standards”… and recommends labels making clear seal products meet strict EU conditions…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

8/5/08: The Other Canadian Seal Hunt – Grey Seals Of Nova Scotia

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1755&seriesfirst=true

Apr-June 2008 UPDATES: Canada’s Seal Hunt Ends With Lower Kill Numbers

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor21

1/15/08: Canada’s Disgrace – Stop The Seal Slaughter

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter%5Flibrary/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1714&seriesfirst=true

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/BloodPrintOnIce.pdf

=========================

22. Calif. Law Bans Slaughter Of Downers

=========================

DATE: 7/23/08

SOURCE: Humane Farming Association, hfa [at] hfa.org

EDITED FOR LENGTH

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law the nation’s most comprehensive legislation to protect sick and injured farm animals… AB 2098 will prohibit the transport and marketing of downed animals and will allow prosecutors to file criminal charges against any slaughterhouse that butchers downed animals for human consumption. In addition, HFA’s legislation will prohibit marketing of other diseased and disabled farm animals, including pigs, sheep, and goats. This bill also for the first time prohibits factory farms and other producers from transporting disabled farm animals to stockyards, auctions, or other marketing facilities…

=========================

23. Hits & Misses For Animals

=========================

Moni, a 17-year-old orangutan, carries her four-day-old baby at Gembira Loka zoo in Yogyakarta, Indonesia… The number of orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia had declined sharply due to illegal logging and the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations, researchers say.

STUDY: ORANGUTANS COULD FACE EXTINCTION IN WILD
DATE: 7/5/08
SOURCE: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25540331/
EDITED FOR LENGTH
ANGKOK, Thailand — Orangutan numbers have declined sharply on the only two islands where they still live in the wild and they could become the first great ape species to go extinct if urgent action isn’t taken, a new study says. The declines in Indonesia and Malaysia since 2004 are mostly because of illegal logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations…

GREYHOUNDS RECEIVE PROTECTION OF ANTI-CRUELTY LAW
DATE: 7/2/08
SOURCE: www.grey2kusa.org/news/070208.htm
EDITED FOR LENGTH
Governor John Lynch has signed our bill to restore racing greyhounds to the protection of New Hampshire’s anti-cruelty statute. For the first time in 9 years, individuals who abuse greyhounds at commercial racetracks can be prosecuted for animal cruelty. The new law also applies to racing horses…

TAKOMA PARK CITY COUNCIL: FOIE GRAS TOO CRUEL TO SWALLOW
DATE: 7/1/08
SOURCE: www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/takoma-park-city-council-says,453623.shtml
EDITED FOR LENGTH
TAKOMA PARK, MD — Takoma Park City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras. This resolution, initiated by Mayor Bruce Williams and introduced by Council Member Reuben Snipper, states that the council “opposes the production and sale of foie gras” and further “encourages Takoma Park residents not to buy foie gras in order to avoid supporting this extreme form of animal cruelty.”

NC SLAUGHTERHOUSE WORKER CHARGED: 6 COUNTS ANIMAL CRUELTY
DATE: 7/1/08
SOURCE: www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,374703,00.html
EDITED FOR LENGTH
A worker allegedly videotaped abusing pigs at a North Carolina slaughterhouse was charged with six counts of animal cruelty. Elio Miguel Marrero is among a number of workers reportedly filmed mistreating pigs at Murphy Family Ventures, which supplies pork to industry giant Smithfield Foods. The Sampson County District attorney’s office charged Marrero with six misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in five separate cases… The alleged abuse came to light after an investigator from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) got a job at the slaughterhouse and secretly videotaped workers beating and dragging swine with a metal prod, castrating the babies without painkillers and gouging out their eyes…

TWO MAKAHS TO SERVE TIME FOR ILLEGALLY KILLING WHALE
DATE: 7/1/08
SOURCE: seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008026795_makah01m.html
EDITED FOR LENGTH
TACOMA — A federal judge decided to lock up two Makah tribal members for illegally killing a gray whale last fall, while three others received two years’ probation. As part of the plea deal reached with federal prosecutors, whalers William Secor, Theron Parker and Frankie Gonzales also will perform community service in Neah Bay ranging from 100 to 150 hours, according to the sentence imposed by United States Magistrate Judge Kelley Arnold…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

1/16/06: 100+ Orangutans Stolen From The Wild

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1465&seriesfirst=true

10/10/04: Black Market Orangutans: Prized Babies, Dead Mothers

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1278&seriesfirst=true

5/14/08: Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor12

TOXIC LINK: Animal Factories & Mother Earth

www.kinshipcircle.org/columns_articles/0049.html

9/4/078: Help Philly Go Foie Gras Free

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1678&seriesfirst=true

8/13/07: Foie Gras For Sale On Amazon.com

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1669&seriesfirst=true

5/28/08: No More Makah Tribal Whaling

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1743&seriesfirst=true

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutPoultyEggIndustr.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutThePorkIndust.pdf

=========================

Due To Lack Of Funding, Kinship Circle May Fold

=========================

This decision is by no means final, as we struggle for a “miracle” grant in these difficult economic times. Your donations are cherished…Anything contributed is tax-deductible and goes directly to our programs.

Still, we need an operating budget grant to remain “in business” for you and the animals. We will certainly keep our supporters updated…and function as usual until such time we must close.

AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE: We are not folding right now. But it may happen within the year, if we don’t secure funding to pay for overhead and projects.

* Animal Disaster Aid Networking & Response
* Educational Literature And Outreach
* Website With Downloadable Tools For Activists
* Research/Campaigns To Help animals…and more

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/
DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

——————————

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